NASCAR Star Tony Stewart Involved in Fatal Accident
10 Aug, 2014
Kevin Ward Jr., a 20-year-old race car driver, was killed Saturday night after he was struck on the track by NASCAR star Tony Stewart, according to Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff Philip C. Povero.
During a sprint car race at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park, Ward was spun out by Stewart, got out of his car to show his displeasure and then was struck by Stewart’s car, sending Ward sliding down the track, fellow sprint car racer Tyler Graves and witness Adam Dulski told USA TODAY Sports.
Povero confirmed the driver was taken by ambulance to Thompson Health and was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the dead driver’s identity later Sunday morning.
“This is an ongoing investigation of an on-track crash,” Povero said.
Povero indicated Stewart, 43, was ”fully cooperative” and that the incident is not being investigated as a criminal matter.
The sheriff’s department said the cars involved were taken to private garages.
“Next is continuing interviews, a continued evaluation of evidence we have, including video, and there is certainly going to be an evaluation of medical evidence when it is collected from the autopsy,” Povero said.
Mike Arning, a spokesman for NASCAR team Stewart-Haas Racing, which Stewart co-owns, issued the following statement:
“A tragic accident took place last night during a sprint car race in which Tony Stewart was participating. Tony was unhurt, but a fellow competitor lost his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We’re still attempting to sort through all the details and we appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Department confirmed deputies were on the scene and investigating an incident at the track before Povero spoke with the media around 3 a.m. Sunday morning.
Coming out of Turn 2, Stewart’s car squeezed Ward’s car up into the outside wall, turning it around. Ward’s car had a flat tire as a result, and he exited the car to show his displeasure with Stewart’s move. He marched down the track and was pointing at Stewart’s car as he approached on the ensuing caution lap. Stewart’s car then clipped Ward, who was run over and thrown a few yards down the track.
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