NASCAR Tragedy: Tony Stewart Kills Fellow Driver Kevin Ward Jr. on Track
Aug. 10 2014, Published 1:38 p.m. ET
Sad news coming from the racetrack this weekend: Tony Stewart, celebrated NASCAR driver, was involved in an on-track altercation with fellow driver Kevin Ward, 20, which ended in the death of the young driver.
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Stewart, 43, and Ward were racing as part of the Empire Super Sprints series event at the Canandiaugua Motorsports Park in upstate New York. After an incident between the two drivers left Ward's sprint car with a flat tire, video shows him getting out of his wrecked car, and walking on the track toward the other race cars. He appears to be yelling at Stewart as one car swerves to avoid him, then, in an event that will surely be debated in the hours, days and weeks to come, it appears that Stewart gunned his engine which caused his right rear tire to catch Ward, drag him, and throw him nearly 50 feet. Ward was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. OK! News: The View Hires Its 2 New Co-Hosts According to authorities, Stewart has fully cooperated with investigators. "A tragic accident took place last night during a sprint car race in which Tony Stewart was participating," Stewart's spokesman, Mike Arning said. "Tony was unhurt, but a fellow competitor lost his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends." OK! News: How Jennifer Love Hewitt Is Prepping For New Role But if you thought Stewart would slow down, think again. According to the AP, his race team manager Greg Zipadelli called today "business as usual" and Stewart would compete at the Sprint Cup race at Watkin's Glen. Stay with OKMagazine.com for more details. Have strong feelings about this weekend's events? Tweet us @OKMagazine.