Nascar legend Tony Stewart has spoken out after one of his young drivers was thrown from a car window and killed when her fiancé lost control in a furious traffic incident.
Ashlea Albertson, 24, was returning from a vacation with Jacob Kelly, 31, in Greenfield, Indiana, when the couple was involved in a fatal altercation with another driver on I-65 in Jackson County.
The cars collided and Kelly’s 2018 GMC Terrain went off the road, throwing Ashlea out a window, overturning the vehicle and rolling over.
Ashlea was due to get married in March and fans learned of her death in an emotional Facebook tribute from her father Todd.
She had recently beaten Stewart at the track and her mentor hailed her as a “great racer” with an “infectious personality”.
Ashlea Albertson with her fiance Jacob Kelly. The couple were due to marry in March next year
Ashley with her team manager, Nascar legend Tony Stewart
“In the past I’ve also been involved in road rage tantrums,” Stewart said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“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.”
Ashlea’s death has rocked the racing community after her father Todd Albertson made the announcement on Facebook hours after the crash on Friday.
“She was a good kid and a better person,” he said.
“She just loved racing, she loved the community and you all did so much for her.”
“Please keep my family, her fiancé and anyone going through this in your thoughts and prayers.
“And those who head to the circuit this weekend to enjoy her races should know that all she ever wanted to do was entertain and be loved by everyone who followed her.”
“Enjoy life and every moment of it, we never know when our time is.”
Ashley’s Facebook page was quickly filled with tributes from shocked fans
The racegoers hailed her as one of the most promising young drivers on the circuit
Ashlea said there was “nothing quite like” the feeling she felt when she was behind the wheel
Hundreds of people responded to his post, including Kati Kantz, who told him she was one of the first on the scene.
“My son called 911 and I stayed with her until emergency services arrived,” she wrote.
“She held for you.
“May she rest in peace and may God watch over you and your family.”
Indiana State Police said the couple were heading north when they were near the 48-mile marker next to a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by Austin Cooper, 22.
“Crime scene evidence, including video footage of another vehicle, indicated that the two drivers accelerated heavily and refused to allow the other vehicle to pass,” said Sergeant Stephen Wheeles.
“Cooper’s vehicle then began to change lanes and get in the path of Kelly’s vehicle.”
“Jacob Kelly lost control of his vehicle and spun, causing the two vehicles to collide in the middle of the northbound lane.”
“Kelly’s vehicle rolled, resulting in a female passenger, Ashlea Albertson, 24, of Greenfield, Indiana, being thrown from the vehicle.”
“Cooper’s vehicle went off the east side of the lane and came to a stop in a field.”
Both Ashlea and her fiancé were flown to the University of Louisville Hospital, where Ashlea was pronounced dead and Kelly was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Cooper and his passenger were transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana, where both were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
No arrests have been made, but police are awaiting the results of the toxicology reports on both drivers.
Ashlea had spoken out about her enjoyment of racing, telling the Greenfield Reporter, “I like racing in the dirt.”
Debris from the couple’s car is strewn on I-65 in Indiana after it was thrown across the freeway in the accident
“Sliding is the best feeling ever,” she explained, “There’s nothing like it.”
Drivers paid tribute to her Saturday in Shelbyville, Indiana, at an event she was scheduled to attend.
“I’ll think of Ashlea every time I think I’m going to get angry on the road,” team manager Rom Combs told WTHR.
“Ashlea will be in the back of my mind. “Stop, slow down and do what’s right.”