Accident investigation expected to take at least 2 more weeks: The Ontario County Sheriff issued the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
‘The investigation into the death of Kevin Ward, Jr., of Lewis County, N.Y., is ongoing and is expected to continue for at least another two weeks or more. Investigators continue to seek witnesses, gather evidence, and develop the racetrack crash reconstruction. However, it would be inappropriate to discuss details or findings of the investigation with the media at this time. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation as the Ontario County Office of Sheriff continues this investigation and for having patience as we conduct a thorough review of all of the relevant facts involving this tragic accident. When the investigation is completed, we will meet with members of the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office and discuss with them all aspects of the investigation into the crash that occurred on August 9, 2014 at the Canandaigua Speedway. At that time, more information relating to any determinations that have been made may be released. In closing, on behalf of the Ontario County Office of Sheriff, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of Kevin Ward, Jr.’
AND Stewart could still face legal consequences: [Stewart] could be charged with second-degree manslaughter under New York law if prosecutors believe he ‘recklessly caused the death of another person,’ with negligent homicide another possibility, according to criminal law professor Corey Rayburn Yung of the Kansas University School of Law. Athletes in competition often do things that would get the average person arrested – think two boxers in the ring, or a baserunner sliding into second with his spikes high. But sometimes an act is so far outside the bounds of accepted sporting behavior that it becomes a crime, as former major leaguer Jose Offerman learned when he was charged with felony assault for rushing the mound – swinging a bat – after he was hit by a pitch in a minor league game. So Stewart would not expect to be charged for the car-on-car bump that sent Ward spinning into the wall. But if, for example, he were to tell police that he saw Ward on the track and tried to shower him with dirt or otherwise send him a message, a first-degree manslaughter charge could be a possibility, Yung said. Even if he is cleared by prosecutors, though, Stewart could face a civil suit. Although the standard of proof is lower than in a criminal case, the civil court would also consider Ward’s state of mind at the time of the accident and whether he was also negligent in venturing into racing traffic on a dark track in a dark suit. But Stewart would also have to weigh the damage to his image and career – with his own team, tracks and millions in endorsements – making a quick settlement likely.(Associated Press)
AND Other driver says Stewart could not avoid Ward: ‘From what I saw, Tony did everything in his power to turn down away from Kevin to avoid him,’ said sprint car driver Cory Sparks. Sparks was just a few cars behind Stewart during Saturday’s race. He said videos that have been posted online do not give an accurate picture of what happened. ‘People say that they heard the engine rev up and he gassed it. In a sprint car, the only way to steer is you steer with the rear wheels as much as you do the steering wheel. In my opinion, what he did was he gassed it to turn down away from him,’ said Sparks.(Time Warner News)
AND Ward’s father speaks: Kevin Ward Sr. spoke ‘¦ on Monday. ‘A situation happened and everybody has their own opinions,’ Ward Sr. said. ‘Some are way off, some without a clue and some are very hurtful. A 20-year-old talented driver was killed and that’s what we need to focus on ‘¦ We’ve had a lot of messages sent. We are so thankful. If everybody could just pray for us, we’ll get through it.’(Syracuse.com)
AND Stewart still entered in Michigan race: As of Tuesday evening, MIS had not heard from Stewart-Haas Racing or NASCAR in regards to Stewart’s status this weekend, only that he is inked in to race on the NASCAR entry list for Michigan.(Detroit Free Press)
AND Canandaigua Motorsports Park will resume racing Saturday: Statement from Jeremie Corcoran, Owner/Promoter of Canandaigua Motorsports Park concerning this Saturday August 16th racing: ‘Up until today I could not even think about another show at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. I spoke to Kevin Ward Sr this morning and he encouraged me to ‘get back to racing at CMP, Kevin would want you to’. I consulted with all my staff also today as well as my family. Everyone has said that we need to begin to heal and that means we need to come together this Saturday night and put on a show in memory of Kevin Jr and support this great sport that we all love. We need to show our support of everyone that was involved and has been affected. ‘We will be racing this Saturday night at Canandaigua Motorsports Park to show the world how strong we are as a racing family! How we can grieve together and come together. I ask that everyone wear something Orange to display our unity! We will be doing something special at the track on Saturday night. ‘I want to thank everyone for the integrity you have shown in your comments on our Facebook page and for the support you have given my family, all my staff, every racer, and all the fans that have been deeply affected. I am forever grateful’(Canandaigua Motorsports Park Facebook page.
For earlier updates on the accident, see the #14 team news page.(8-13-2014)
