Tony Stewart, 43, is being sued by the family of Kevin Ward Jr. over the young driver's death during a sprint car race almost a year ago.
In the lawsuit filed Friday in the 5th Judicial District for the Supreme Court in New York, the three-time NASCAR champion is accused of gross negligence for allegedly gunning his engine and putting his car into a skid as Ward walked into the track following a crash at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Aug. 9, 2014, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The lad's car reeled out of control during the race and he exited the vehicle and walked down the track in an apparent attempt to confront Stewart. Unfortunately, he was struck by the racing veteran's car and was thrown into the air leading to his death.
Mr. Stewart was the sole defendant named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of the 20-year-old's parents, Pamela and Kevin Ward. The victim endured fatal injuries following a collision with Stewart's car, CBS Sports has learned.
"Our son was truly the light of our lives and we miss him terribly every day," Kevin Ward Jr.'s parents said in a statement. "Our hope is that this lawsuit will hold Tony Stewart responsible for killing our son and show him there are real consequences when someone recklessly takes another person's life."
Stewart's reputation for having a temper was noted in the lawsuit, which also cited claims that he deliberately swerved toward Ward Jr. following the collision.
"Stewart could have easily acted reasonably and with prudence to avoid striking Ward, just as all other drivers had done as they passed Ward during the yellow caution flag," the lawsuit said.
It was revealed in a court hearing in September that Ward Jr. was under the influence of marijuana on the night of the fatal accident, according to BBC News.
The victim had "enough to impair judgment," Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo reportedly said.
Last year, Stewart was cleared by a grand jury investigating the incident.
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