Ashlea Albertson, who was set to get married in March 2024, was killed in a car crash in Indiana on Friday.
The 24-year-old woman who drove for Tony Stewart Racing died after being ejected from the car in which she was riding on an Indiana highway.
According to multiple reports, a 22-year-old was driving a Chevrolet Malibu in the right lane of I-65 while a 31-year-old was traveling in the left lane in a GMC Terrain. Albertson was a passenger in the Terrain, police said.
Police say evidence from the accident, which includes video, showed that the “two drivers began accelerating rapidly and refused to allow the other vehicle to pass.” When the Malibu began to move into the Terrain’s lane, the Terrain’s driver lost control and the vehicles collided. Albertson was ejected from the car as a result when the car rolled, police said.
Team owner and Hall of Fame driver Tony Stewart responded to the news online:
“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 controlling what we can control on the highway. Losing her is a sobering reminder of how precious life is. Please join me in keeping her family and friends in your prayers,” Stewart wrote in a post shared on his X account.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Motor Sports stories via Google! Follow Us
Albertson was a driver for Tony Stewart Racing, which was created by the three-time NASCAR champion in 2000. Albertson was also a part of the All-Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midgets and last raced in Indianapolis a week before her death.
Albertson and the other driver were both airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital where Albertson was pronounced dead and Kelly received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Toxicology tests for both drivers involved in the crash are pending, according to Indiana State Police.
