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Grand Jury Declines To Charge Tony Stewart In Fatal Accident
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Following a thorough investigation and presentation of all the relevant evidence and witnesses to an Ontario County (N.Y.) grand jury, the grand jury has determined there is no basis for the filing of any criminal charges involving the tragic accident of Kevin Ward Jr. on Aug. 9 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park.
The following is a statement from Tony Stewart regarding the grand jury’s decision.
“This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive.
“I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known.
“While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”
Stewart, the three-time NASCAR champion and popular driver who races open-wheeled sprint cars as a hobby, traveled to the small, dirt-track oval for an event the night before a Cup race at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 10. During the sprint car race, Stewart’s race car appeared to bump or cut off Ward’s race car as the two drove into a turn. Ward’s car hit the outside wall and spun, bringing out a yellow caution flag that slowed the field.
Ward, 20, from Port Leyden, N.Y., who had been rookie of the year in the Empire Super Sprint series earlier in his career, exited his race car and walked onto the track to confront Stewart. As Stewart drove past, his car appeared to fishtail and hit Ward, throwing him several feet. Ward was declared dead at a hospital shortly after the accident.
Although NASCAR was not associated with the sprint car race, its officials announced a rules change after the crash that requires drivers to remain in their race cars until safety workers arrive, unless they are at risk from fire or smoke.
Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Chief Communications Officer, stated, "There are no winners in tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Kevin Ward Jr. family and Tony Stewart as they all cope with this tragic incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. This has been a difficult time for everyone involved and we have respected the local authorities responsible for reviewing this case."
The following is a statement from Tony Stewart regarding the grand jury’s decision.
“This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive.
“I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known.
“While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”
Stewart, the three-time NASCAR champion and popular driver who races open-wheeled sprint cars as a hobby, traveled to the small, dirt-track oval for an event the night before a Cup race at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 10. During the sprint car race, Stewart’s race car appeared to bump or cut off Ward’s race car as the two drove into a turn. Ward’s car hit the outside wall and spun, bringing out a yellow caution flag that slowed the field.
Ward, 20, from Port Leyden, N.Y., who had been rookie of the year in the Empire Super Sprint series earlier in his career, exited his race car and walked onto the track to confront Stewart. As Stewart drove past, his car appeared to fishtail and hit Ward, throwing him several feet. Ward was declared dead at a hospital shortly after the accident.
Although NASCAR was not associated with the sprint car race, its officials announced a rules change after the crash that requires drivers to remain in their race cars until safety workers arrive, unless they are at risk from fire or smoke.
Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Chief Communications Officer, stated, "There are no winners in tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Kevin Ward Jr. family and Tony Stewart as they all cope with this tragic incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. This has been a difficult time for everyone involved and we have respected the local authorities responsible for reviewing this case."
