Police have released photos of a fatal road accident that killed a 24-year-old racer, while her father posted a heartbreaking tribute to his fallen daughter.
Ashlea Albertson, 24, a dirt racer with Tony Stewart Racing, was killed when she was thrown from a vehicle in an accident attributed to road rage on I-65 in Jackson County on Friday.
Albertson’s father, Todd, announced his daughter’s death on Facebook in an emotional video aimed at the racing community.
“She was a good kid, a better person and she just loved racing,” he said in the video.
“She loved the community and you all did so much for her.” “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Todd added while becoming visibly emotional.
Dirt racer Ashlea Albertson’s father posted a heartbreaking video in Indiana last week grieving the death of his daughter after what appeared to be a violent incident on the road
24-year-old Albertson, a dirt racer with Tony Stewart Racing, died in an accident on I-65 in Jackson County on Friday when she was thrown from a vehicle
According to the Indiana State Police, the accident happened around 11:30 a.m. Friday in Jackson County, Indiana
“This is one of the hardest posts I have been able to make and I have no words to express it other than making a video of it to share with everyone who loved her and who loved her in return has.”
“I want to thank my family and myself for making her feel like the best racer every time she went out on the track.”
“We appreciate you, we love you and I’m sorry to have to inform you in this way but I think it’s only fair that everyone knows and there is no speculation going forward.”
“For those of you who are going to the circuit this weekend and love to race, know that’s all she’s ever wanted to do – put on a show, be entertaining and, by each and every one of you, the followed, loved and respected them,” he said Monday.
Video taken by a witness in another vehicle helped authorities determine the crash involved 22-year-old Austin Cooper in a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu with an underage passenger and Kelly in a 2018 GMC Terrain with Albertson
The vehicles collided after accelerating sharply [refusing] to let the other vehicle pass in the traffic accident.
Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and team owner, confirmed Albertson’s death and claimed that she was involved in a traffic accident in Indiana.
“Today I lost a teammate. “@AshDogRacing had an infectious personality and could brighten up any room,” Stewart posted Friday night.
“She was a great racer who was involved in a traffic accident and lost her life.” I have also been involved in the road rage in the past. I hope we can honor Ashlea by controlling what we can control on the freeway. Her loss is a sobering reminder of just how precious life is. Please join me in praying for her family and friends.’
The 24-year-old was reportedly a passenger at the time the two vehicles collided
Albertson, who drove TQ Midget cars, died in hospital from her injuries
Albertson sat on the passenger side with her boyfriend Jacob Kelly, 31, when they returned home to Greenfield, Indiana, after a vacation
“She’s a daughter.” She’s a sister and friends with everyone here.
Albertson sat on the passenger side with her boyfriend Jacob Kelly, 31, when they returned home to Greenfield, Indiana, after a vacation.
According to the Indiana State Police, the accident happened around 11:30 a.m. Friday in Jackson County, Indiana.
Video taken by a witness in another vehicle helped authorities determine the crash involved 22-year-old Austin Cooper in a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu with an underage passenger and Kelly in a 2018 GMC Terrain with Albertson.
The Malibu reportedly went into the same lane as the Terrain, causing it to lose control and colliding with the other vehicle. As the Terrain overturned, Albertson was thrown from the vehicle.
Albertson and the driver of the Terrain were flown to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment, but were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Albertson died from the injuries she sustained in the accident.
An investigation, including toxicology tests on both drivers, is underway before the Jackson County Attorney’s Office will decide whether charges should be filed.
Albertson drove TQ Midget cars and their last race was on August 11th.
“Every race day she would call me and say, ‘Have you had your coffee today, dad?’ It’s race day. “I didn’t get that call today, but I got the coffee and told everyone else that today is race day,” Ashlea’s father, Todd Albertson, said Saturday, according to the WHTR.
“We have to make society better.” We have to take better care of each other. She didn’t lose her life on a race track where we expected it to, but in the middle of a freeway because we can’t control our anger.
‘She’s a daughter.’ She’s a sister and friends with everyone here.’