NASCAR Driver Tony Stewart Not Charged in the Death of Kevin Ward Jr.
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Stewart will not face criminal charges after he fatally hit fellow driver Ward at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in Canandaigua, N.Y. last month.

AceShowbiz - NASCAR driver Tony Stewart is cleared of any charges following the death of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr. last month. On Wednesday, September 24, a grand jury in Ontario County, N.Y. decided not to charge the star who hit and killed the 20-year-old Ward during a dirt track race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in Canandaigua, N.Y. on August 9.

Orange County District Attorney Michael Tantillo said that Ward was under influence of marijuana during the incident and it was "enough to impair judgment." He added, "I am sure from their deliberations and discussions that the fact that Kevin Ward was observed running basically two-thirds of the track, down a hot track in the middle of other cars still racing played a big, big factor in their decision."

Stewart has released a statement in response to the news. Calling the experience "toughest and most emotional experience of my life," he continued, "I respect everything the district attorney and sheriff's office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known. While much of the attention has been on me, it's important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.'s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers." NASCAR has also released a statement, saying that "there are no winners in tragedy."

Shortly after the incident in August, law enforcement office explained that Ward "lost control mid-race, got out of his car and was standing on the dirt track." A car avoided Ward, while Stewart's car struck him. According to The New York Times, Ward's family was considering their legal options, saying, "This matter is not at rest."

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