CANADAIGUA, N.Y. – NASCAR driver Tony Stewart hit and killed another driver Saturday night.
After 20-year-old Kevin Ward was apparently put into the wall by Stewart, he got out of his car, approached and began pointing at Stewart, who driving by in his Sprint Car.
As Stewart drove by, his car fishtailed – it almost sounds like he hit the throttle – striking and dragging Ward under his right rear tire. Ward was pronounced dead at the hospital later in the night.
Here’s video of the incident.
At a 3 a.m. press conference, Ontario County Sheriff Philip C. Povero said the investigation was ongoing, but it was not being handled as a criminal manner. Steward was fully cooperating and “visibly shaken.”
Stewart and the Haas Racing team issued this 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.”