NASCAR driver Tony Stuart was involved in fatal accident that killed competitor Kevin Ward Jr.
Professional NASCAR driver Tony Stewart struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr., 20, while in competition at a dirt track race car event on Saturday at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, The New York Times reports.
In a graphic video posted on YouTube, viewers can watch the fatal event unfold as Ward was struck while outside his vehicle. In the video, Ward and Stuart bumped cars in the earlier lap, causing Ward to spin off the track. Ward then exited his car and approached Stuart’s car on foot as it came around. As Stuart approached, Ward walked out towards Stuart’s vehicle, pointing at him. The revving of Stuart’s engine can be heard just before Ward’s foot is dragged underneath Stuart’s car. Ward was dragged and ejected nearly 7 ft.
Paramedics are seen rushing towards Ward within seconds, but he was later pronounced dead at F.F. Thompson Hospital.
“There are no words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life if Kevin Ward Jr,” Stuart said in a statement, adding that he had decided not to participate in the race at Watkins Glen,
One eye witness, race car driver Tyler Graves, told SportingNews he believed Stuart’s actions resulted in Ward’s death. Graves stated that Stuart saw Ward and hit the throttle anyway which caused Ward to be sucked underneath rather than thrown.
Stuart has been known for aggressive behavior and has even reportedly sought out anger management classes. In 2012, Stuart pulled a similar stunt, exciting his car to throw his helmet at a competitor in disgust.
While Stuart has been allowed to return to racing, he is still cooperating with the ongoing investigation in Ontario.
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