© Robert Laberge, Getty Images Every winner of every 2019 points race in the NASCAR Cup Series, from the Daytona 500 to Homestead. The body of a former NASCAR team owner was pulled Tuesday evening from the Ohio River near Louisville.

Lonnie Troxell, 68, was found floating about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the Ohio River near the Captain's Quarters restaurant and marina in the 5700 block of Captain's Quarters Drive, according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

Police, fire and other emergency responders found Troxell's body and pulled it from the river. Troxell was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the coroner's office.

Troxell lived in the area near where his body was found, the coroner's office said

The cause of death has not been released pending the results of an autopsy.

Troxell was the owner of a racing team from 2000-2005 that competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which is now called the Gander Outdoors Truck Series, according to Racing Reference.

Troxell was not afraid to use Twitter to speak his mind about the current state of NASCAR, according to Toby Christie, who writes about NASCAR on his website, TobyChristie.com, and also co-hosts "The Final Lap" podcast and radio show that focuses on NASCAR racing.

"He was a passionate guy who wanted to see the sport improve," Christie told The Courier Journal in a message. "He was frustrating (and) fun to debate with. But overall, I considered him a friend despite never meeting him in person."

Sharon Bowles told The Courier Journal she had been friends with Troxell for over 40 years and that he and his wife split their time between homes in Louisville and Florida.

After his NASCAR days were over, Troxell worked as a "well-respected" builder and always put his employees first, Bowles said.

"He was just my best friend all around," Bowles said. "I can't believe he's not with us. I'm devastated....He was just an awesome human being."

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'A passionate guy': Ex-NASCAR team owner found dead in Ohio River near Louisville

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