Prosecutors will ask a grand jury to decide if NASCAR stock car star Tony Stewart should be charged in the death of a fellow driver in a dirt-track race in August.
Stewart, a three-time champion in NASCAR’s premier Sprint Cup series, struck and killed 20-year-old Kevin Ward jnr at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on August 9.
Ward had climbed out of his disabled car after a brush with Stewart sent him into the wall. He was walking down the dimly lit track, apparently gesturing toward Stewart, when the right rear of Stewart’s car hit him.
Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo released a statement saying the evidence gathered in the investigation by the sheriff’s department warranted presentation to a grand jury.
The grand jury then decides whether any criminal charges should be brought.
“As grand jury proceedings in New York State are strictly confidential by law, I am unable to state when the matter will be scheduled, other than to state that I intend to present the matter in the near future,” Tantillo said, adding that he also couldn’t say who might be called as a witness.
Stewart issued a statement as well, saying he respects the time and effort by authorities “investigating this tragic accident.
“I look forward to this process being completed, and I will continue to provide my full cooperation,” Stewart said.
Stewart missed three Sprint Cup Series races — Watkins Glen, Michigan and Bristol — while he was in seclusion following the incident at Canandaigua.
He returned to competition on August 31, but is out of the running for the Sprint Cup championship.
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