Tony Stewart Will Not Face Charges in Kevin Ward Jr.'s Death

Updates from Monday, Sept. 29

The Orange Cone on Twitter provided a quote from Tony Stewart at his press conference on Monday:

Jeff Gluck of USA Today had more on Stewart discussing Kevin Ward Jr.'s death:

Nate Ryan of USA Today shared Stewart's comments on sprint car racing:

Updates from Friday, Sept. 26

Tony Stewart spoke to Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press about his future in sprint cars following the death of Kevin Ward Jr.:

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'I would say it's going to be a long time before you ever see me in a sprint car again, if ever. I don't have any desire at this moment to get back in a car," Stewart told The Associated Press in his first interview since a grand jury decided he would not be charged in Ward's death.

'If I had the option to go right now to a race, I wouldn't. I don't even know when I'll go to a sprint car race again to watch. I can promise you it's going to be a long time before you ever see me back in one.'

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Stewart also spoke about Ward Jr.'s family with Fryer:

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Ward's family has said 'the matter is not at rest,' and Stewart may still face a civil lawsuit. Stewart wants to discuss the accident, and said not being able to talk about what happened 'keeps me from moving forward. It just stays there, hanging over my head.

'It's just been a really tough six weeks. I went to go have fun for a night, and that's not what ended up happening.'

Ward and Stewart didn't know each other, and Stewart doesn't recall them ever talking. He laments that in the scrutiny that followed — some questioned if Stewart had tried to intimidate Ward for stepping on the track — that the loss of the 20-year-old driver and his promising career fell to the background. He said he can't imagine how the Ward family is feeling, doesn't blame them for anything they may say about him, but hopes to someday get the chance to sit with them and talk about that night.

'I would hope they understand — maybe they do, maybe they don't, maybe they never will — that I do care,' he said. 'I've tried to be respectful of their process of grieving and not push myself on them. I'm sure they have things that they want to know what happened and I think it's important for them at some point to hear it from my point.'

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Original Text

After grand jury deliberation, it has been determined that NASCAR Sprint Cup star Tony Stewart will not face charges stemming from the death of Kevin Ward Jr., according to ESPN's SportsCenter:

Fox Sports: NASCAR and Jay Busbee of Yahoo Sports had more from the District Attorney:

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DA: "Manslaughter in the second degree and criminally negligent homicide were the charges submitted to the grand jury". #NASCAR

— FOX SPORTS: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 24, 2014"

Jenna Fryer of The Associated Press reported on Ward Jr.'s toxicology report:

Fryer also provides a statement from the Ward family, as read over the phone by sister Kayla Herring:

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Our son got out of his car during caution when the race was suspended. All the other vehicles were reducing speed and not accelerating except for Stewart, who intentionally tried to intimidate Kevin by accelerating and sliding his car toward him, causing the tragedy. The focus should be on the actions of Mr. Stewart. This matter is not at rest and we will pursue all remedies in fairness to Kevin.

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Chick Hernandez of CSNWashington.com initially reported that Stewart would not be indicted two hours before the official announcement was made:

Fryer of the AP provided Stewart's statement following the announcement:

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This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive.

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.

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NASCAR also released a statement on the decision:

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There are no winners in tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Kevin Ward Jr. family and Tony Stewart as they all cope with this tragic incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. This has been a difficult time for everyone involved and we have respected the local authorities responsible for reviewing this case.

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The incident in question occurred during a sprint car race in Canandaigua, New York, back in August. After getting spun out by Stewart, the 20-year-old Ward exited his car and approached Stewart's moving car. Ward was clipped and ultimately died as a result of the injuries, per Steve Almasy of CNN.com.

Stewart sat out three Sprint Cup races after Ward's death before returning in Atlanta on Aug. 31. Prior to his on-track return, Stewart expressed a great deal of remorse for the accident in an emotional press conference. Jay Busbee of Yahoo Sports passed along some of his comments:

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This has been one of the toughest tragedies I've ever had to deal with both professionally and personally. This is something that will definitely affect my life forever. This is a sadness and a pain that I hope no one ever has to experience in their life.

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In the aftermath of the incident, Ward's father placed much of the blame on Stewart's shoulders, per Charley Hannagan of Syracuse.com:

"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," Kevin Ward Sr. said.

With so many differing opinions regarding who was truly at fault, Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo made the decision to involve a grand jury, per ESPN.com.

"Upon my review of all of the information contained in the entire investigation, I have made the determination that it would be appropriate to submit the evidence to the grand jury for their determination as to what action should be taken in this matter," Tantillo said.

The grand jury ultimately absolved Stewart, although the specifics of the case are likely to be debated by racing observers for many years to come.

With potential criminal charges no longer hanging over the three-time Sprint Cup champion's head, he will now focus on finishing the 2014 season.

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