Tony Stewart at Indianapolis. [Father Dale Grubba Photo]
Watkins Glen, N. Y. – According to papers filed in the 5th Judicial District of the Supreme Court of the State of New York that covers Lewis County, Tony Stewart was named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Kevin Ward, Jr. Ward, 20 years of age, died in a sprint-car accident at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park a year ago this weekend when struck by Stewart’s winged-sprint car during a caution period.
The lawsuit states Stewart wrongfully caused Ward’s death by acting with reckless and malicious intent and negligence. It claims that Stewart caused the accident by racing his engine and not trying to avoid Ward, who was walking toward Stewart’s car to apparently express his displeasure with Stewart.
The suit does not stipulate what the Ward family is seeking in damages, but it does identify a series of charges, to include wrongful death, terror and pain prior to their son’s death, reckless conduct and gross negligence.
In earlier court action, Stewart was not criminally charged.
Stewart is racing at Watkins Glen International this weekend after a two-year absence and Stewart, his Stewart-Haas Racing team and NASCAR declined to comment regarding the lawsuit.