Tony Stewart Racing Driver Ashlea Albertson Dies in Apparent Road Rage Incident
Indiana State Police are continuing their investigation into an apparent road rage incident that claimed the life of Tony Stewart Racing TQ Midget driver Ashlea Albertson.
Albertson, 24, was a passenger in a GMC Terrain on Friday around 11:30 a.m. on I-65 in Jackson County just south of Seymour, Indiana. According to authorities, a man driving a Malibu pulled alongside the Terrain, and video recorded by a person in another vehicle in the area shows both drivers began driving faster, refusing to let each other pass.
Tragically, the situation escalated when the driver of the Malibu changed lanes into the Terrain’s path, causing the SUV driver to lose control of his vehicle. The two vehicles collided, resulting in a devastating accident.
During the collision, Albertson was ejected from the GMC Terrain as it rolled over. The driver of the Malibu, on the other hand, left the interstate and came to a stop in a nearby field.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and Albertson was swiftly flown to the University of Louisville Hospital. Sadly, the Greenfield, Indiana resident succumbed to her injuries.
While Albertson tragically lost her life, the drivers of both vehicles involved in the incident and a juvenile passenger in the Malibu sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were promptly treated for their injuries.
To determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, both drivers were subjected to blood tests. The results of the toxicology tests are currently pending.
Once Indiana State Police completes its investigation, the findings will be handed over to the Jackson County prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor’s office will then assess the evidence to determine if charges will be filed.
In a heartfelt social media post, Tony Stewart, a prominent figure in the racing community and owner of Tony Stewart Racing, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Albertson. He described her as a teammate with an “infectious personality” who could light up any room.
Stewart also reflected on the dangers of road rage, admitting that he had been caught up in similar situations in the past. He urged others to honor Albertson’s memory by exercising control and restraint on the highways. He emphasized that her passing serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life.
Meanwhile, Ashlea Albertson’s father, Todd Albertson, shared an emotional video on his daughter’s Facebook page to inform her loved ones about her tragic death.
Through tears, Todd Albertson expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported Ashlea and made her feel like the best racer each time she took the track. He thanked the racing community for their immense love and support.
He also requested that everyone keep his family, Ashlea’s fiancé, and all those affected by her loss in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Todd Albertson acknowledged that sharing the news in a video might be challenging, but he felt it was important to eliminate any speculation and ensure that everyone was informed about Ashlea’s passing.
He described his daughter as a good kid and an even better person who had a deep love for racing and the racing community. He urged those attending races in the future to remember Ashlea’s passion for putting on a show and to cherish every moment of life, as it is incredibly precious.
Tragically, Ashlea Albertson’s death comes just weeks before her scheduled wedding to Jacob Kelly, which was set to take place on March 23, 2024.