Tony Stewart Runs Over, Kills Another Driver in Sprint Race

NASCAR driver Tony Stewart ran over and killed 20-year-old driver Kevin Ward, Jr. Saturday night, Aug. 10, at a dirt track race in New York.

Stewart initially hit Ward's car and sent him into the wall. The crash ended the race for Ward, who then got out of his car and began walking into the raceway gesturing in what appears to be an angered way. When Stewart made his way back around the track, he struck Ward with his car sending him flying in the air and killing him.

Witnesses allege that, although the yellow caution flag was out, Stewart accelerated his car, which kicked out the rear wheels of his race car, clipping Ward, who was then caught underneath Stewart's vehicle before being thrown 50 feet away.

The race was a Super Sprint event at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park, which is located north of Watkins Glen International.

WROC-TV reporter Prescott Rossi reported via Twitter that Ward was dead on arrival at an area hospital and that an investigation into the incident has begun. According to Rossi, Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero has said that Stewart is complying fully with the investigation.

As of now, there is no word from NASCAR on Stewart’s status for the race at Watkins Glen.

WARNING: Video contains graphic images and language