A Rising Star Taken Too Soon
The Forest City, North Carolina community, and the world of kart racing, are grappling with the devastating loss of Tyler Weaver, a 25-year-old two-time national kart racing champion. On the morning of October 24, 2025, Tyler’s life was violently cut short during a targeted home invasion, leaving his fiancée, family, and fans in shock and grief. What should have been a peaceful morning turned into an unimaginable tragedy, as Tyler sustained fatal gunshot wounds inside the home he shared with Nevaeh Quintero.
Tyler’s passing is not just a loss of a champion; it is the heartbreak of a young man taken in the prime of his life. Known for his speed, skill, and determination on the track, Tyler’s true greatness extended far beyond racing. He was loved for his warmth, humor, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. The kart racing community, including Maxxis Kart Racing North America, has expressed profound sorrow, honoring him as one of the proudest champions they have ever seen.
A Life of Love and Promise
Tyler and Nevaeh were eagerly preparing for the next chapter of their lives, expecting their first child in April 2026. Their dreams, laughter, and shared plans make the tragedy even more unbearable. Nevaeh survived the attack, bravely escaping and alerting authorities, a testament to her courage during an unimaginable ordeal. The couple’s love story, once full of hope and excitement for the future, now echoes with the pain of what could have been.
Those who knew Tyler speak of him not only as a competitor but as a man of character, generosity, and integrity. He inspired younger racers, encouraged friends and fans, and carried himself with humility despite his championship titles. The loss is deeply personal to the racing community, friends, family, and the child he will never hold — a life cut tragically short and a future stolen in an instant.
Justice Sought, Memory Honored
Following a ten-day manhunt, authorities apprehended Quitez Lamare Watkins and Jaquavious Antwan Craig, both with lengthy criminal histories, charging them with first-degree murder. While the legal system now takes its course, no sentence can fill the void left by Tyler’s absence. His fiancée, loved ones, and fans are left grappling with grief while seeking comfort in memories of his infectious smile, relentless spirit, and unparalleled passion for racing.
Tyler Weaver’s story is a painful reminder of life’s fragility, yet his legacy will endure. Every race he won, every life he touched, and the love he shared with Nevaeh will live on in memory. Though Tyler never got to meet his child or continue building his dreams, the world will remember his heart, his courage, and the light he brought to all who knew him. His name will forever be etched in the hearts of the Forest City community and the broader kart racing family, a champion both on and off the track.