India, May 16 -- Kyle Loftis' untimely death has sent shockwaves through the automotive and street racing community, with fans, racers and creators across the country paying tribute to the man who helped turn grassroots car culture into a global online phenomenon. Loftis, founder of 1320Video, died on May 5 at the age of 43.

Authorities in Nebraska confirmed law enforcement responded to a death investigation connected to Loftis, though officials released few details publicly.

A spokesperson for the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office told PEOPLE that investigators "responded to a death investigation within Sarpy County Sheriff's Office jurisdiction regarding the death of Kyle Loftis."

The sheriff's office later told the Los Angeles Times tha...