Bagley team member dies in shooting
Wayne Harris, a close friend of dirt racer Morgan Bagley and director of public relations for his Wayman McMillan-owned World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series team, died of multiple gunshot wounds in front of his Houston, Texas-area home Wednesday night, police said.
Bagley and teammates were devastated by the loss of the 43-year-old Harris, who assisted the Texas-based team with publicity and other duties.
“Words can’t describe what he meant to us,” Bagley said in a team statement. “For me personally, he was like a brother. Over the years he was always there whenever I needed him.
“He did all of the social media for my team. I never had to do a single thing. I always joked that he knew more about what I was doing than I did. He not only went out of his way to help me reach my dreams in racing, but he was always there when I needed a good friend to lean on. He loved the racing community, and would do anything he could to help everyone. He was just that kind of guy.”
Wayne’s wife, Amanda Harris, 36, also suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the League City incident and police were searching Thursday for the suspected shooter, 41-year-old Sayantan Ghose. Amanda Harris remained hospitalized.
The League City Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Ghose for the murder of Harris, according to media reports. Police didn’t release a motive but believe the everyone involved knew one another.
Bagley will miss the man who helped connect him to his car owner while the Longview, Texas, driver was a standout in the modified division.
“I always knew when I got out of the car each night that he would be the first person to send me a message. I’m definitely going to miss those,” Bagley said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children as they battle through this incredible challenging time.”