Although NASCAR driver Tony Stewart is not currently facing criminal charges in the death of another driver , he is not officially in the clear . `` This is an ongoing investigation , and all options remain available , '' Sheriff Philip C. Povero of Ontario County , New York , said Monday . `` We 're continuing to gather and analyze every piece of evidence we can . '' Stewart hit and killed another driver who was walking on a track during a dirt-track race in upstate New York on Saturday night , authorities said . Kevin Ward Jr. , 20 , died from injuries suffered in the incident at the Empire Super Sprints series event at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park . The track is about a two-hour drive from Watkins Glen International race track , where Stewart had been scheduled to race in a NASCAR event Sunday . `` There are n't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. , '' Stewart said Sunday , according to a written statement tweeted by NASCAR . `` It 's a very emotional time for all involved . ... My thoughts and prayers are with his family , friends and everyone affected by this tragedy . '' Stewart decided not to take part in Sunday 's event . `` Our hearts go out to Kevin 's family , '' said Stewart 's team director , Greg Zipadelli . `` This is a very tough , very emotional time for everybody -- his family , our family at Stewart-Haas Racing . '' Opinion : Why Tony Stewart is n't likely to face charges in racetrack death . On Saturday night , Ward 's sprint car hit the outside wall during lap 14 of a 25-lap race , Povero said . A video of the incident shows two cars coming out of a turn with Stewart 's No . 14 car sliding up the track toward Ward 's No . 13 car . The two cars get close and appear to make contact before Ward 's car hits the wall and spins out . Another car narrowly avoids hitting the 13 car as its sits on the track facing the wrong direction . Ward gets out of his crashed car , walking on the track toward the racecars , which had slowed for a yellow flag . Ward points a finger and appears to be yelling . One car swerves to avoid Ward on the half-mile dirt track . Stewart 's car passes close to Ward , and it appears that its right rear tire hits him . An ambulance took Ward to a hospital , but he died before it arrived , Povero said . `` Stewart has fully cooperated '' with an investigation , Povero said . `` He acknowledges the collision with the driver . '' It appeared to be an on-track incident , Povero said . Ward , from Port Leyden , New York , was in his fifth season in the Empire Super Sprints series . He began racing when he was 4 , running go-kart events . Stewart 's spokesman said officials are trying to sort out the details . `` A tragic accident took place last night during a sprint car race in which Tony Stewart was participating , '' Mike Arning said . `` Tony was unhurt , but a fellow competitor lost his life . Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends . '' A competitor that runs the car that swerved around Ward expressed sympathy . `` Our deepest condolences go to the entire Ward Family . We are one huge ESS family , you will be truly missed bud ! # RIP13 , '' Hebing Racing tweeted . Stewart is a three-time champion in NASCAR 's top division and won a sprint car championship in 1995 . `` Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family , friends , and fellow competitors of Kevin Ward Jr. , '' NASCAR said in a written statement Sunday . `` We support Tony Stewart 's decision to miss today 's race , and we will continue to respect the process and timeline of the local authorities and will continue to monitor this situation moving forward . '' Stewart also owns a dirt race track in New Weston , Ohio , and has frequently raced sprint cars during the NASCAR season . He broke a leg last year in a crash that ended his racing season . He has raced the full NASCAR season this year but only returned to sprint cars in July . In 2013 : Injuries as debris flies into Daytona stands during fiery NASCAR crash . Jason Leffler , accomplished race car driver , dies in dirt-track accident .
`` All options remain available , '' sheriff says . Video shows Stewart 's car hitting Kevin Ward Jr. as he walked on track near vehicle . Tony Stewart says he ca n't describe how sad he is after the accident .