The world of racing is mourning the loss of Ashlea Albertson, a talented driver who was part of Tony Stewart Racing. A tragic accident occurred in Indiana, as Greenfield resident Albertson was flown to the University of Louisville Hospital after a car crash. Sadly, Albertson passed away as a result.
Her passing came suddenly and tragically on August 18, 2023, in the crash on Interstate 65. It was a heartbreaking moment for her family, Tony Stewart Racing, and fans who knew her and admired her skill on the track.
Keep reading the article to know more about the accident and the cause of her death.
Who was Ashlea Albertson?
Ashlea was 24 years old, an Indianapolis-based racer who was part of the Tony Stewart Racing team. As a child, Ashlea always had a need for speed, it wasn’t until she was invited to a race track by her dad’s friend at the young age of 10 that she discovered her true passion for racing. There’s something exhilarating about the rush of adrenaline that comes with being behind the wheel of a car, and Ashlea simply couldn’t get enough. From that day on, she spent every moment she could at the track, observing the drivers and studying their techniques.
As she gained experience on the karting circuit, her raw talent and fierce determination caught the attention of local racing teams, paving the way for her future as a professional driver.
What happened to Ashlea Albertson? How did she die?
A tragic incident occurred on Friday at around 11:30 a.m. on I-65 in Jackson County, Indiana. Ashlea Albertson, a 24-year-old Tony Stewart Racing TQ Midget driver, lost her life due to an apparent road rage incident. Albertson was a passenger in a GMC Terrain when a man driving a Malibu pulled alongside their vehicle.
Today, I lost a teammate. @AshDogRacing had an infectious personality and could light up any room. She was a great race car driver that was involved in a road rage accident and lost her life. In the past, I’ve also gotten caught up in road rage. I hope that we can honor Ashlea by… pic.twitter.com/mnvPYeujWf
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) August 19, 2023
Police Investigation:
The drivers of both cars involved in the accident, as well as a juvenile passengers, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. At the moment, the toxicology results are still pending, as both drivers were given blood tests. Upon completion of the investigation, the ISP’s findings will be passed onto the Jackson County prosecutor’s office to decide on whether any charges will be filed. Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Video footage captured by a person in another vehicle shows both drivers began driving faster and refused to let each other pass. The situation escalated quickly when the driver of the Malibu changed lanes into the Terrain’s path, causing the SUV to lose control and collide with the other vehicle. As a result, Albertson was ejected from the car when it rolled over. Indiana State Police are continuing their investigation into this terrible incident.
Also read: How did Kyle Turner Rabbitohs Premiership winner die?
Tributes On Social Media:
Stewart’s recent social media post hit hard. Someone with an infectious personality is rare, able to light up any room with just their presence. Here are some social media tributes to Ashlea Albertson.
Ashlea’s father, posted a video to Facebook sharing the news of her death with the racing community because “all she wanted to do was put on a show”.
Linda Williams shared on Facebook “Continued prayers for my family. Especially Dennis and Pam Sparks Lambert,Todd Albertson, Tiffany Collins, her grandparents, her siblings and her fiancé Jake. “
“She was a good kid, a better person, and she just loved racing,” Albertson said. “She loved the community, and you all have done so much for her. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Albertson was known for her relentless drive and determination, and this is a loss that is felt deeply by everyone who knew her. May she rest in peace and be remembered for the incredible passion she brought to the sport.
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