The mother of Kevin Ward Jr. explained Friday why the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tony Stewart, telling ABC’s “Good Morning America” that “we want justice for our son”.
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Kevin Ward Jr. was killed last August at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park when he exited his auto under caution in an apparent attempt to confront Stewart. Ward Sr., said he and his wife believe Stewart revved his racecars engine and veered up the track while the rest of the cars stayed low on the track.
His parents said Friday they don’t believe Stewart intentionally struck Ward Jr., but Pamela Ward believes Stewart lost his temper.
The lawsuit includes claims that Stewart wrongfully caused Kevin Ward’s death by acting with wanton, reckless and malicious intent and negligence.
As Stewart continued his lap, he ran into Ward, catapulting him 50 feet into the air.
An Ontario County grand jury declined to charge Stewart with criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter. A press release issued by the family’s attorney said they would have no further comment during the process, but sat for the interview with ABC affiliate WSYR-TV in Syracuse.
Ward’s family, however, filed a civil suit against Stewart last Friday in the Fifth Judicial District for the Supreme Court of New York in Lowville, N.Y.
“I feel he tried to intimidate Kevin and throw dirt at him, but ended up hitting and killing my son”.
The Wards are seeking an unspecified amount of damages.
“We want him accountable”, Pamela Ward said. The civil suit is the only action we have left.
Stewart, a three-time Sprint Cup Series champion nicknamed “Smoke”, is regarded as one of racing’s most prolific drivers, regularly participating in sprint auto races around his NASCAR schedule. ABC’s report, however, also mentioned the collection of “new evidence” that would be introduced in the lawsuit.
Stewart has struggled in 2015, finishing in the top-10 in three of his 25 races – including 43rd in the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen, which was held on the one-year anniversary of Ward’s death. Tony races every weekend. “Well, I know my son will never get to race again”.
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When asked what the parents want Stewart to know, the father’s voice cracked.
