A grand jury has decided Tony Stewart will not face charges for his role in the on-track death of sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr.
Stewart could have been charged with second-degree manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide.
Kevin Ward Jr. was under the influence of marijuana at the time of his death, according to toxicology reports. The marijuana in his system “was enough to impair judgment,” Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo said.
Ward was killed Aug. 9 when a car driven by the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion struck and killed him during a dirt-track race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. The 20-year-old Ward, who had climbed from his car to confront Stewart, died of blunt force trauma.
In footage from the accident the first car to pass Ward had to swerve to miss hitting him. The front of Stewart’s car appeared to clear Ward, but Ward was struck by the right rear tire and hurtled through the air.
It is nothing but a sad story, racing is already dangerous and a poor decision was made. This is why “JUST SAY NO’ applies in so many ways. It is a definite no- no to take recreation drugs before a sporting even especially if you are a participant.
