The authorities have said that the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) driver Tony Stewart hit and killed another driver who had been walking on a track during a dirt-track race in upstate New York, but no criminal charges are likely to be brought against the American driver.
The victim, Kevin Ward Jr., died from injuries suffered in the incident, which occurred on Saturday at the Empire Super Sprints series event at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park. The deceased was just 20 years old.
County Sheriff Philip C. Povero said that on Saturday night, Ward's sprint car hit the outside wall during lap 14 of a 25-lap race. He said that an ambulance took Ward to a hospital, but he died before it arrived, CNN reported.
Povero said that Stewart has fully cooperated, adding that the American acknowledges the collision with the driver. But, he added that he wants to make it clear that there are no criminal charges pending at this time.
The track is about a two-hour drive from Watkins Glen International race track, where Stewart had been scheduled to race in a NASCAR event Sunday. Stewart said that there are no words to describe the sadness he feels about the accident that took the life of Ward Jr.
Stewart said on Sunday that it's a very emotional time for all involved, adding that his thoughts and prayers are with Ward's family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy.
Stewart's team director, Greg Zipadelli, said that the driver has decided not to drive in the event. Zipadelli added that their hearts go out to Ward's family.
More From This Section
Zipadelli said that this is a very tough, very emotional time for everybody including Ward's family, and their family at Stewart-Haas Racing.
Stewart is a three-time champion in NASCAR's top division and also won a sprint car championship in 1995, the report added.
