A heartbreaking event unfolded when Nathan Schaldach, known to fans as Cali Nate from the reality TV show Street Outlaws, died in a devastating car accident on Saturday night in southwest Texas.
Schaldach was racing at Eagle Pass, a location approximately two hours west of San Antonio, when the tragic incident occurred. Despite his friends’ efforts to rush him to the hospital, they were unable to save him.
Schaldach’s girlfriend, Courtney Paulshock, confirmed his death in a sorrowful Facebook post, calling him her “soul mate.” She expressed her deep grief, saying, “I’m not whole. I’m completely shocked. I feel like my heart is breaking.”
Paulshock shared that Schaldach was racing when the accident happened but chose not to disclose further details about the cause or circumstances leading up to the crash. She mentioned that seeing his mom and sister again had made him very happy and highlighted his love for his passions and the outdoors.
“Nathan’s love was a true blessing,” Paulshock added, reflecting on their relationship and the affection he showed her daily.
Schaldach had appeared in the fourth season of Street Outlaws: Fastest in America, a series that followed eight drag racing teams competing for a $100,000 prize. His season concluded in May of the previous year. The show, inspired by the original Street Outlaws, showcased the high stakes and risks of street racing, where drivers race on a short, straight track towards a finish line.
While professional drag racing is generally considered safe, street racing is notoriously dangerous and illegal in most places. Sadly, Schaldach’s death follows the tragic loss of another Street Outlaws star, Ryan Fellows, who died in a car accident in 2022 during filming. Fellows’ car overturned and caught fire during a race in Las Vegas, a loss that deeply affected the network.
The Texas police are currently investigating Schaldach’s collision. Meanwhile, friends and fans took to social media to express their condolences and share their sorrow. Chris Frank, a friend, remarked on Facebook, “Those of you who raced him feared him, and those of you who were friends with him loved him. We all know that every ride might be our last, and every race is dangerous. Nate was one of the last genuine racers with a true love and understanding of the sport.”
In one of her final messages to Schaldach, Paulshock shared a poignant text exchange, quoting Garth Brooks: “I love you very much just in case tomorrow never comes.” She ended her message with, “Please wake me up from this nightmare,” and later posted Lady Gaga’s song “I’ll Never Love Again” from the movie A Star Is Born.
Nathan Schaldach’s untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of racing and the profound impact he had on those who knew him and loved him.
