The automotive community was hit hard when Carroll Shelby died over a month ago. As hard as it was for us though, we imagine it was much harder for Shelby’s family. And it has only gotten harder as Shelby’s body remains in a legal limbo, caught between his children and his estranged wife.

Edmunds Inside Line recently interview one of Shelby’s sons, Patrick, who put out this plea to Celo Shelby. “Please release the body so it can be properly taken care of.”

According to Patrick, the legal battle has nothing to do with money. Apparently Shelby left his entire estate to the children’s’ foundation that bears his name, which Patrick says leaves just one thing for this battle to be over; control. All three of Shelby’s children came from his first marriage to Jeanne Fields

Carroll Shelby did file for divorce from Cleo in February 2012, and according to Patrick he made it clear in his will that he wanted to be cremated and buried on the family burial plot in Texas. Cleo’s plans have not been announced, and the Texas morgue where Shelby’s body is being held can only do what the courts tell them. So far there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

It’s such a sad end to Shelby’s incredible story, and we can only hope that his family can find closure and put all of this ugliness behind them.