NASCAR Star Tony Stewart who is known to have a “bad” temper on the race track, was involved in a tragic accident late Saturday night.
The Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that Kevin Ward Jr., who was involved in the incident at Canandaidua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park has died as a result of injuries sustained when he was hit by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.
During a race at the dirt track, Stewart and Ward collided, causing Ward to spin out. Ward according to reports, was extremely upset and got out of his car to confront Stewart while the race was under caution. Ward was then struck by Stewart’s car.
Early Sunday morning, Sheriff Philip Povero confirmed that Ward was pronounced dead on arrival after being taken to a nearby hospital.
Povero also said that Stewart has been “fully cooperative” with the ongoing investigation.
“He is very upset and has confirmed his continuing cooperation,” the Sheriff said according to RochesterHomepage.net.
No criminal charges have been filed yet, but the district attorney’s office has been notified, according to reports.
Statement according by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department:
On Saturday, August 9, 2014, at or about 10:30 p.m., there was an on-track incident at the Exit of Turn 2 at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park, during the Lucas Oil SuperSprint Feature race. The race was in Lap 14 of a 25-lap race, when one car lost control and spun coming to rest along the outside retaining wall. The race was immediately put into caution, slowing the cars on the track. The driver of the car that spun exited the race car and walked down the track onto the racing surface. Two racecars traveling in tandem approached as the driver continued down the track, gesturing to the two approaching cars. The first car swerved to avoid the driver out on the track. The second car, operated by Tony Stewart, struck the driver. The driver was treated by on-track medical staff and was transported to F.F. Thompson Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 11:15 p.m. At this point, Mr. Stewart has cooperated with the investigation, which is ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office has asked the individuals who possess amateur video, to please make contact with this office so that copies of the video accounts can be obtained for review. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 585-394-4560.
Statement from Stewart’s camp:
“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.”
From the Associated Press:
A video of the crash at Canandaigua Motorsports Park showed driver Kevin Ward Jr., clad in a black helmet and firesuit on a dimly lit track, walking toward Stewart’s car before being hit and hurtled 50 feet.
A witness said it appeared Ward was trying to confront Stewart, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion. The video showed Ward standing to the right of Stewart’s familiar No. 14 car, which seemed to kick out from the rear and hit him.
“The next thing I could see, I didn’t see (the other driver) anymore,” witness Michael Messerly said. “It just seemed like he was suddenly gone.”
Povero said the 43-year-old Stewart, a frequent competitor at local sprint car events, was questioned and released. The sheriff is asking for people who recorded video of the crash to provide copies for investigators to review.
Stewart is scheduled to race in in NASCAR’s event Sunday at Watkins Glen.
Video of the incident can be seen below.
WARNING!! EXTREMELY!! GRAPHIC!!
joshcolon 