Tony Stewart: Death of Kevin Ward Jr. 'will stay with me forever'
Tony Stewart said the death of Kevin Ward Jr. will stay with him "forever" despite being cleared by a grand jury Wednesday of criminal wrongdoing in the Aug. 9 sprint car accident that took Ward's life.
"This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever," Stewart said in a statement. "I'm very grateful for all the support I've received and continue to receive."
Ontario County (N.Y.) District Attorney Michael Tantillo presented evidence to a grand jury Tuesday and Wednesday, which quickly found no basis to charge Stewart.
"I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff's Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident," Stewart said. "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."
Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion, will next race in this weekend's Sprint Cup Series event at Dover International Speedway.