VIDEO: Tony Stewart hits opposing driver; driver has died according to reports

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Deadspin Update (1:06 a.m.): More from Pockrass:

Tyler Graves, a sprint-car racer and friend of Ward's, told Sporting News in a phone interview that he was sitting in the Turn 1 grandstands and saw everything that happened.

"Tony pinched him into the frontstretch wall, a racing thing," Graves said. "The right rear tire went down, he spun on the exit of (Turn) 2. They threw the caution and everything was toned down. Kevin got out of his car. … He was throwing his arms up all over the place at Tony for most of the corner.

"I know Tony could see him. I know how you can see out of these cars. When Tony got close to him, he hit the throttle. When you hit a throttle on a sprint car, the car sets sideways. It set sideways, the right rear tire hit Kevin, Kevin was sucked underneath and was stuck under it for a second or two and then it threw him about 50 yards."

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@_TylerBurnett
Direct source at race track, "Prayers are with the ward family right now!!! stewart ran over my best friend kevin ward under yellow"

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@_TylerBurnett
Again, this is just another driver calling me, not releasing names. An altercation between Tony Stewart and Kevin Ward.Night has been called

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@_TylerBurnett
A different source, Lifelight was on scene....again night has been called. Still looking for more information. Will have some soon.

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@_TylerBurnett
More reports, sheriff cars were surrounding Smoke's trailer. Crime scene tape in place at accident. My source has left track.

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At approximately 11:30 p.m., a spokesman for the [Sheriff's] department said it had no comment at this time but said a news release would be prepared and available in "two to three hours"

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@TheOrangeCone
Reports indicate the news we were hoping not to hear is true hearing confirmed reports that Kevin Ward passed away

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@MikeLeslieOnFOX
Thompson Health Center would not confirm whether or not the patient (presumably Ward) had passed. Did confirm severe injuries.

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