Saturday night (Aug. 9) spectators watched in horror as 20-year-old race car driver Kevin Ward Jr. was struck and killed by another car. Amateur video caught the entire incident on camera and showed Ward's car get cut off by Tony Stewart's car causing it to spin into a wall.
According to investigators, Ward then exited his car and walked onto the track to confront Stewart. One driver swerved to avoid hitting Ward but Stewart's car hit the race car driver sending him sliding down the track; fans could be heard in the video screaming in horror.
The Ontario County Sheriff's Office pronounced Ward dead at 11:15 p.m. at F.F. Thompson Hospital and said Stewart was "fully cooperative" with the investigation. According to the Associated Press, Sheriff Philip Povero said the investigation was not criminal.
Stewart was supposed to race in the Cheez-It 355 at The Watkins Glen International on Sunday, the day after the accident, but his name was pulled and Regan Smith took his place. On Sunday vice president of competition for Stewart-Haas Racing Greg Zipadelli originally told reporters that the race was "business as usual" and the three-time Sprint Cup champion would be competing as previously scheduled.
Due to public outrage, Zipadelli reversed the decision and announced Smith as the replacement driver.
"It's an emotional time right now," Zipadelli said, adding that the team would not discuss the accident that killed Ward. "I feel strongly this is the right thing to do. We at SHR support it and agree with it. It's a difficult time for both parties. This is what we feel is right and we're supporting Tony in it."
Following the start of Sunday's race Stewart released a statement that read:
"There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It's a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I've decided not to participate in today's race at Watkins Glen," he said. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO
