Tony Stewart Accident VIDEO, Kevin Ward Jr. Dead: NASCAR Star Hits & Kills Sprint Car Rival Amid Race 'Fight,' Twitter Fans Offer Condolences After Tragic Crash

Tragedy struck at a jam-packed sprint car race held in Ontario, New York on Saturday evening (August 9), when popular NASCAR star Tony Stewart hit and killed fellow driver, Kevin Ward, Jr. After the shocking accident, the aspiring 20-year-old racer was later pronounced dead at Thompson Health hospital.

Video footage of the horrifying crash (which occurred at Canandaigua Motorsports Park) is currently going viral online:

Several reports confirm that during lap 14 (of 25), the NASCAR champ wedged and spun Ward up against a wall with his own vehicle. Ward was unharmed after the initial impact, but angrily jumped out of his car and started yelling at his 43-year-old rival while the race was still in progress.

While making his next turn, Stewart clipped Ward on the speedway - he was immediately thrown several feet and hit the ground without any slight movement. Ward was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Since the tragic accident, Twitter fans have continued to offer their condolences on Twitter:

@ToddTPrice24: "#RIP Kevin Ward Jr may all the racers gone before you too many to name welcome you home to that big racetrack in the sky."

@CelticKim1: "My thoughts and prayers to Kevin Ward Jrs family after his tragic death on a NY racetrack RIP."

@500jeffrey: "Sorry no longer a Stewart fan RIP Kevin Ward."

@SimpsonRacing: "Extremely sad day for racing. RIP Kevin Ward Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ward family and Tony Stewart."

@RacingLowes48: "The entire racing community came together in one to pray for Kevin Ward, thats why racing is the best. RIP, sir."

@mcgriffith15: "God Bless the Racing Community today and ALL those involved. Such a sad day. Wish people would stop speculating. RIP Kevin Ward/pray for Tony."

@WillManso: "Sad that first I ever hear of Kevin Ward Jr is when he dies. What a terrible story. RIP. Not sure how Tony Stewart can have peace."

@GoldGloveTV: "RIP Kevin Ward. Makes that video even harder to watch now. Sheesh, what a tragedy that could have been so easily avoided :(."

@BTBGreen: "Kevin Ward Jr got out of his car & walked in the middle of a LIVE race, RIP but what do you expect would happen? Tony Stewart isn't guilty."

@joesica13: "Why Tony Stewart? Innocent man being ran over like that is just unbearable to watch. RIP Kevin Ward. Damn."

Stewart later released this official statement:

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y., (Aug. 10, 2014) - The following is a statement from Tony Stewart regarding the fatal accident last night during the sprint car feature at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park involving Kevin Ward Jr.

"There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It's a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I've decided not to participate in today's race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."

Stay tuned as more details surrounding this heartbreaking story ad investigation develop. Do readers believe Stewart responded recklessly?

Thoughts go out to Ward's family, friends, and fans during this sad time.