Those fans couldn't help but be touched by Earnhardt in some way. He wasn't just the most successful driver. He had a common touch. A lot of people loved him, respected him and, maybe most of all, related to him because of it. Some hated him, sure.
Some people always try to bring down the successful.
Either way, no one was ambivalent toward Earnhardt. His death truly was sad. It's always sad when someone is struck down in the prime of life. It's sad when it happens to a loved one or friend or neighbor or work-place acquaintance or someone you just happen to read about on the obituary pages. And, yes, it's sad when it happens to a celebrity.