Tony Stewart Hits and Kills On-Foot Driver During Sprint Race

Kevin Ward Jr., 20, has died because of an on-track confrontation with Tony Stewart.

Photo Removed
Complex Original

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

Photo Removed

Tony Stewart got involved in a particularly ugly scene during a sprint car race at Canandaigua, N.Y. Motorsports Park on Saturday night — hours before the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen. The NASCAR veteran hit 20-year-old Kevin Ward Jr. as he was on-foot. The driver was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The tragedy occurred as a result of an attempted confrontation. Stewart had knocked into Ward Jr., causing him to hit the outside wall and spin-out. Ward Jr. then got out of his car to confront a still-racing Stewart. He ended up clipping the young racer, flinging him down the track where he lied motionless. Racing activities were canceled soon after and law enforcement officials were on the scene.

While the story is still developing, it's been said that a veteran like Stewart is at least partially at fault for the tragedy because he should've known adding throttle to a sprint car causes it to fishtail (go sideways). But whatever the opinions regarding the crash are, the jarring fact is that Stewart's vehicle killed a young racer. 

Stewart has reportedly been fully cooperative with the investigation. The incident isn't being investigated as a criminal matter, according to USA Today.

You can watch the scene below, but please take note that the footage—which shows a man getting killed—is graphic.

UPDATE: Stewart will sit this one out.

[via USA Today Sports]

Latest in Sports