Ashlea Albertson, a 24-year-old up-and-coming race driver affiliated with Tony Stewart Racing, tragically lost her life in a highway collision on August 18. The accident occurred around 11:30 am on northbound Interstate 65 in Jackson County, Indiana.
Indiana State Police indicated that the crash involved two vehicles: a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Austin Cooper, 22, and a GMC Terrain, driven by Jacob Kelly, 31, Albertson’s fiancé. Reports suggest both vehicles were involved in a hazardous driving situation that led to the fatal accident. The drivers were said to be accelerating rapidly and refusing to let one another pass. Kelly lost control of his vehicle when it began to spin, and the two cars crashed in the middle of the northbound lanes.
Albertson, traveling as a passenger in the Terrain, was ejected during the crash. She later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
The other passengers in the crash sustained minor injuries.
Racing legend Tony Stewart conveyed his grief on social media platforms.
While road rage is speculated as a potential cause, it remains unconfirmed.
Further details are expected as investigations proceed.
Albertson and Kelly were to be married in March of 2024.
