Continuing with the fall-out from the Tony Stewart incident this past Saturday, the Ontario County Sheriff’s department announced on Monday that they have found nothing to support any criminal act by Stewart after he struck fellow sprint-car driver Kevin Ward Jr.
The Sheriff’s department released this statement: “there are no facts that exist that support any criminal behavior,” relating to Tony Stewart's on-track collision with Ward at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park, according to CBSSports.com. Although they are searching for more evidence, the team has only two-videos of the accident at this time, according to Sheriff Philip Povero.
Ward, Jr. died that night of “massive blunt trauma,” according to the county coroner.
Although the statement released today may have led some people to believe the investigation is over, Povero also said this: "This is an ongoing investigation, and all options remain available. We're continuing to gather and analyze every piece of evidence we can,” according to according to TheWire.com.
On Sunday, Stewart released this statement on his official website: There aren’t words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It’s a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I’ve decided not to participate in today’s race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."
Stewart’s nickname is “Smoke,” infamously for his hot-tempered ways and past-altercations with fellow drivers. Despite the inability to determine intent in this situation, it will surely hurt his multi-million dollar racing-business which had been soaring the past few years.
For now, Stewart will remain sidelined from his day-job with NASCAR. He has already decided to sit out this coming Saturday in Indiana and is undecided about whether he’ll race at Michigan International Speedway the week after.