A grieving father wants to know how his son was killed in an accident involving NASCAR champion Tony Stewart.
Kevin Ward Jr. was killed when he climbed out of his sprint car Saturday night and then was struck by the right wheel of Stewart's car while walking onto the Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park track. Ward, 20, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
An investigation is ongoing into the events surrounding Ward's death, and Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff Philip C. Povero said "there are no facts that exist that support any criminal behavior or conduct or probable cause of a criminal act in this investigation," during a Monday press conference.
Ward's father, Kevin Ward Sr., wants answers. He wants to know specifically if Stewart saw his son, who was wearing a black fire suit and helmet.
"Apparently, Tony Stewart was the only one driving out there who didn't see him," Ward Sr. told The (Syracuse) Post-Standard. "... The one person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison. Is he going to say what he done?"
Stewart and Ward
Stewart and Ward
Investigators have spoken with Ward Sr. twice, as well as reviewed two videos of the incident. The investigation is expected to continue for another two weeks.
Ward Sr. says his son had never gotten out of his car and approached a competitor following a wreck before Saturday. From his viewpoint Stewart is to blame for the accident that ultimately angered his son and led him to confront the NASCAR driver who was moonlighting in a lesser series.
"I think the reason he probably got out of that car is who put him into the wall," Ward Sr. told The Post-Standard. "He was definitely put into the wall. ... Tony Stewart was the best damn driver by far on the track that night. Why he had to go up as high as he did and hog my son, there's no reason for it."
What Ward Sr. would like is for his son to not be remembered for the way he died, but for his kind soul and caring personality. A visitation for Ward Jr. is Wednesday and the funeral will be held Thursday.
"Friends all talk about how he can bring a smile to their face," Ward Sr. said. "His heart, I don't know how he fit it in his chest.
"He was a special person to many and a very special person to his family."