Following the untimely passing of his brother J.D. in 2019, it was expected that Coy would inherit the company from their father Joe, but tragically, fate had other plans.
Coy's son Ty had just won the NASCAR Xfinity Series title. Coy was there at the track celebrating with his 20-year-old son, and passed away just hours later in his sleep.
He is survived by his wife Heather and four kids.
The tributes immediately poured in from across the NASCAR world as the news became public knowledge. Below are just some of the comments made in reaction to Coy's passing.
Newly crowned NASCAR Cup champion Joey Logano, who started his career at JGR
"I found out before the race, and I still honestly don't know the details of anything. It's such an interesting spot as you sit there preparing to run a championship race and then you hear somebody that has been in your life, known for a while -- and I still don't know the details, but it's just sad. I don't have words to explain how that is.
"I feel for Ty more than anything. When you take all the championship racing stuff out, it doesn't matter at the end of the day. It's great that we're up here and we won a championship, but something happens to your family, it doesn't matter. Like that's the difference.
"For the whole sport, it's a sad day. For me, it's a bittersweet type of thing because here we are winning a championship, and here we are one of the people that's a leader in our sport and someone I've known for a while is gone, and I don't really know how to explain that and how hard that is.
"Obviously our prayers and thoughts go to the Gibbs family and everyone over at JGR. When you think they've had a rough run at it, I couldn't imagine how Joe feels right now.
"Yeah, I don't really know what else to say. It's hard. I couldn't imagine. I don't know what it's like. But for Ty to lose his dad, that's just hard."
Toyota Racing Development USA President David Wilson
Racing is a family and the relationships within the entire garage go so much deeper than on-track competition. Today, we lost a dear part of our family. The loss of Coy Gibbs is devastating to everyone at Toyota and TRD. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Joe, Pat, Heather, Ty, Case, Jett and Elle and the entire Gibbs family and Joe Gibbs Racing family."
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Coy Gibbs. On behalf of the France Family and all of NASCAR, I extend my deepest condolences to Joe, Pat, Heather, the Gibbs family and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing on the loss of Coy, a true friend and racer.”
The racing world reacts to the unfortunate news of Coy Gibbs’ passing.
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 6, 2022
Gibbs, father of Ty Gibbs, died at the age of 49. pic.twitter.com/AO3Capy3Io
A moment of silence in honor of Coy Gibbs is held at Phoenix Raceway. pic.twitter.com/OeXHBMG71O
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 6, 2022
It is with great sorrow that Joe Gibbs Racing confirms that Coy Gibbs (co-owner) went to be with the Lord in his sleep last night. The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy at this time.
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) November 6, 2022
Today we will do what we don’t want to do, but we we will unite as a family and race for the name on our chest. @JoeGibbsRacing
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 6, 2022
Words can’t describe this day. Today was already going to be tough enough but it’s even more gut wrenching now. Heartbroken.
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 6, 2022
— Samantha Busch (@SamanthaBusch) November 7, 2022
This is a hard day. Life doesn’t make sense sometimes. When there are no words available, sometimes pictures will have to do.
— Boris (@Boris_JGR) November 6, 2022
RIP Coy Gibbs - thank you for the many positive influences you had on my life and career (and thanks for the pranks, too). pic.twitter.com/GYLZxwhzvz
So sad this photo taken last night #NASCAR . Coy in interview told me fatherhood comes first above everything. He meant it. He was so proud of his son...and will guide him now from above. pic.twitter.com/nHhlAB5575
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) November 6, 2022
Congrats to @joeylogano and the 22 team. They were the class of the field and deserving champions. Right now my focus is being with my @JoeGibbsRacing family and trying to process the news of Coy’s passing. We are all so heartbroken.
— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) November 7, 2022
Been a really tough day. Hate we couldn’t have a better result. None of that matters at the end of the day. Heart goes out to Ty, Coach, Pat and the entire Gibbs family. Coy was always great to me!
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) November 7, 2022
Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight!
💔
Everyone at Mars is devastated to hear of the passing of Coy Gibbs. Our thoughts are with Coach, the Gibbs family and the entire JGR organization during this difficult time.
— M&M'S (@mmschocolate) November 6, 2022
Jackson Gibbs, the nephew of Coy Gibbs, is still changing tires for Christopher Bell today. Here's his helmet for today's race: pic.twitter.com/Q6aC0fgwrs
— Clara Goodwin (@ClaraGoodwinTV) November 6, 2022
Our deepest condolences are extended to the Joe Gibbs Racing team and the Gibbs family upon hearing of the recent passing of Coy Gibbs. As founder and co-owner of the JGRMX Supercross/Pro Motocross team. Coy will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/2IKofgZL7N
— Supercross LIVE! (@SupercrossLIVE) November 7, 2022
Coy Gibbs - a true friend and inspiration to us all. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to Heather, Ty, Coach, the entire Gibbs family and @JoeGibbsRacing organization. pic.twitter.com/sFuh9LKXxU
— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) November 6, 2022
The news of Coy is devastating to the sport. NASCAR is a family and we are all heartbroken. I send my condolences to the entire Gibbs family.
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) November 7, 2022
Heart broken.
— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) November 6, 2022
