The family of Kevin Ward Jr have publicly reacted to a grand jury clearing Tony Stewart of criminal wrongdoing in the 20-year-old’s death, declaring that the matter “is not at rest”.

Prosecutors confirmed today that the jury elected against an indictment in the case, revealing that Ward had marijuana in his system when he was struck and killed by Stewart’s sprintcar.

The Ward family subsequently issued a statement lamenting the fact that focus has been shifted away from Stewart’s actions.

“Our son got out of his car during caution, while the race was suspended,” the statement read.

“All other vehicles were reducing speed and not accelerating except for Tony Stewart , who intentionally tried to intimidate Kevin by accelerating and sliding his car towards him, causing this tragedy.

“The focus should be on the actions of Tony Stewart and not Kevin. The matter is not at rest and we will pursue all remedies, in fairness to Kevin.”

While the grand jury verdict clears Stewart of any criminal charges, a civil case could still be brought before the courts.

Stewart, who described the investigation as “long and emotional’ in a statement earlier today, is yet to publicly describe his view of the events that resulted in the tragedy.

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