The world of street racing is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Nathan Schaldach, known to fans as Cali Nate. Schaldach, who gained fame on the Discovery Channel’s reality show Street Outlaws: Fastest in America, tragically died in a car accident while racing in southwest Texas. His girlfriend, Courtney Paulshock, confirmed the devastating news in an emotional Facebook post that has left fans and loved ones grieving.

On Saturday night, Nathan was racing at Eagle Pass, a city located about two hours west of San Antonio. During the race, his vehicle crashed, resulting in fatal injuries. Although friends rushed to get him to the hospital, they were unable to save his life. Courtney shared that the events leading up to the crash and its exact cause remain unclear. She has chosen not to release any further details at this time.

In her heart-wrenching post, Courtney referred to Nathan as her soulmate and expressed the deep pain she is experiencing after his sudden death. “I’m not whole,” she wrote. “I’m completely shocked. I feel like my heart is breaking.” Her words captured the raw grief of losing someone she loved so dearly.

Courtney also reflected on Nathan’s passions and the joy he found in his life. She described how happy he was to reconnect with his mom and sister recently. “Outside, he pursued his passions,” she said. “To know the kind of love that Nathan gave me and showed me on a daily basis was a true blessing.”

Nathan Schaldach became well-known through his appearance on Street Outlaws: Fastest in America. He competed in the fourth season of the show, which aired on Discovery Channel. The series featured eight elite drag racing teams battling for a $100,000 grand prize. Cali Nate quickly became a fan favorite for his skills on the track and his fearless racing style. His season of the show concluded in May of last year.

The Street Outlaws franchise has long showcased the high-risk world of underground street racing. Unlike sanctioned professional races, street racing is illegal in many areas due to its dangerous nature. Despite the risks, drivers like Schaldach pursued their passion for speed and competition. Drag racing itself involves two cars accelerating down a straight track toward a finish line, with the winner determined by who crosses first.

Sadly, Nathan’s death isn’t the first tragedy to hit the Street Outlaws community. In 2022, fellow racer and cast member Ryan Fellows lost his life in a crash while filming for the show in Las Vegas. His car overturned and caught fire, and the loss devastated both his family and the Discovery network. At the time, a spokesperson for Discovery expressed deep sorrow over Fellows’ death. Now, Schaldach’s passing has added another tragic chapter to the series’ history.

The U.S. Sun has reportedly contacted Texas authorities to gather more details about the accident that claimed Nathan’s life. As of now, there has been no official report released about the incident.

In the wake of his death, tributes and condolences have flooded social media. Friends, fellow racers, and fans alike are mourning the loss of a man they respected both on and off the track. Chris Frank, one of Schaldach’s close friends, posted a heartfelt message online. He admitted he could barely sleep after hearing the news. “Those of you who raced him feared him, and those of you who were friends with him loved him,” Frank said in a Facebook video. “We all know that any ride could be our last, and every race is dangerous.”

Frank also called Nathan one of the last “genuine racers,” highlighting his deep love and understanding of the sport. His message echoed the sentiments of many who knew Schaldach personally and respected his dedication to drag racing.

Courtney Paulshock shared her own farewell to Nathan in what may be one of the most emotional tributes yet. She posted a screenshot of a text message exchange where Schaldach had expressed his love for her before the race. “Garth told me to tell you I love you very much just in case tomorrow never comes,” he had texted. Tragically, that race would turn out to be his last.

“Please wake me up from this nightmare,” Courtney wrote beneath the screenshot. Later that same day, she also shared Lady Gaga’s song “I’ll Never Love Again” from A Star Is Born, a poignant reminder of the deep pain she is feeling after losing the man she loved.

The Street Outlaws community and racing fans everywhere are left in mourning as they remember Cali Nate not only as a talented racer but also as a loving partner, friend, and family member. His legacy on the track and the impact he had on those around him will not be forgotten.