Tony Stewart will not face charges over fatal sprint car accident

Ontario Country District Attorney Michael Tantillo confirmed on Wednesday that a grand jury had determined that there was no reason to charge the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion.

The matter was in connection with the death of Kevin Ward Jr, who was struck and killed by Stewart's car during a race in Canandaigua, New York.

Tantillo said: "After listening to and questioning all the witnesses and reviewing all of the evidence, the grand jury has decided that there is no evidence to charge Tony Stewart with any crimes.

"During the course of the grand jury presentation, approximately two dozen witnesses testified.

"These included a number of race car drivers, racetrack employees and volunteers, two accident reconstruction experts, medical personnel, and a number of police officers.

"In addition, the grand jury reviewed a number of photographs and video recordings, as well as other documentary evidence.

"After listening to and questioning all of the witnesses, and reviewing all of the evidence, the grand jury has determined that there is no basis to charge Tony Stewart with any crimes; his case was 'No-Billed' by the grand jury."

Tantillo also said that Ward, who had left his car following a collision and approached Stewart's car on foot when he was hit, was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the accident.

Toxicology evidence suggested that "the levels that were determined were enough to impair his judgement."

Shortly after the grand jury's decision was announced, Stewart released a statement expressing his relief that the investigation had brought the facts of the accident to the surface.

"I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff's Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident," he 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."

NASCAR followed with a statement of its own.

"There are no winners in tragedy," it read. "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."