Indianapolis Racer Ashlea Albertson Dies in Crash on Interstate 65

Indianapolis-based racer Ashlea Albertson tragically passed away after being involved in a crash on Interstate 65. The news was shared by Tony Stewart Racing and her family, revealing that she was just 24 years old at the time of her death.

Ashlea Albertson competed as part of Tony Stewart Racing's team driving TQ Midget cars. Her last race took place on August 11th according to available statistics.

Tony Stewart himself paid tribute to his former teammate on social media, describing her as a "great race car driver." In honor of Ashlea's memory, he urged drivers to think twice before succumbing to road rage while behind the wheel. Reflecting on his own experiences with road rage incidents in the past, Stewart stated: "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."

The initial investigation conducted by Indiana State Police revealed that two drivers were engaged in an altercation resulting from rapid acceleration and refusal to allow each other to pass near mile marker 48 on northbound I-65 south of Seymour. Jacob Kelly (31) from Indianapolis was driving one vehicle with Ashlea Albertson as his passenger in the left lane while Austin Cooper (22) from Austin, Indiana occupied the right lane.

According to authorities' findings thus far, Cooper attempted to change lanes into Kelly's path which caused Kelly to lose control of his vehicle. The cars collided in the middle of the northbound lanes, with Kelly's car rolling over and ejecting Albertson from the vehicle. Both Kelly and Albertson were airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. Tragically, Ashlea Albertson was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital while Kelly sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Austin Cooper and a juvenile passenger were taken to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour where they received treatment for their non-life-threatening injuries. Blood tests were conducted on both drivers involved in the crash, and toxicology results are pending as part of ongoing investigations.

Once Indiana State Police concludes their investigation, all relevant information will be presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office for review regarding potential charges related to this incident.

Our thoughts go out to Ashlea Albertson's family, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating loss within the racing community.

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