The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Monday afternoon that no criminal charges are pending in the death of New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway track official Rusty Crews, who died early Sunday morning after being involved in a brawl in the pit area at the track.
A statement from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office read: “The preliminary results of an autopsy indicate the cause of death in this case was a cardiac event. There are no criminal charges pending. The case remains open pending the completion of a final autopsy report.”
The 59-year old Crews had attempted to break up a brawl between Sportsman division teams that took place in the pit area outside of the track beyond turn three. Crews was ultimately assaulted while attempting to break up the fight.
One eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous told RaceDayCT the brawl involved as many as 40 people and went on for more than 20 minutes.
The eyewitness said when Crews attempted to break up the fight he was assaulted by those involved in the brawl and at one point was on the ground being punched. The eyewitness said at some point Crews was able to retreat from the brawling crowd and then fell unconscious in a vehicle.
Sources have confirmed the brawl involved members of two Sportsman division teams for drivers Bryan Kruczek of Newmarket, N.H. and Matthew Green of Orlando, Fla. The brawl took place in the turn three pit area outside of the track.
The New Smyrna World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing kicked off Friday for nine consecutive nights of racing at the track. The Sportsman division had features scheduled only for Friday and Saturday.
what leads you to believe anyone is not believing the preliminary autopsy? Shawn reports the facts. Later, after some perhaps strenuous activity, a man died of a heart attack apparently. Could have been the neighbor shoveling snow. I feel bad for the man and his family.
I see no doubt being cast upon an autopsy except by Rob
Apparently it takes alot more than someone dying from a fight, for action to be taken to stop fighting at tracks… Sad.. This puts a HUGE, permanent, black eye on short track racing.
Wow, to say that involvement in trying to break up that brawl didn’t lead to his death is kinda… Just strange. Yes, preliminary reports say it was a cardiac event, but had he not just been pummeled, would it have happened? Let’s not forget this is just preliminary, and things may be subject to change. Having been on a race team, and involved in the sport for 25+ years, I can say that fights happen sometimes, but I’ve never seen a 40+ person brawl break out. Hopefully punitive measures were taken against those involved.
As for Me Crews family, having recently lost my dad tragically, I offer you my heartfelt condolences.
Below is what Shaun reported;
“One eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous told RaceDayCT the brawl involved as many as 40 people and went on for more than 20 minutes.
The eyewitness said when Crews arrived on the scene of the fight driving a “front loader”, which others have described as a Bobcat. The eyewitness said Crews then attempted to break up the fight but he was assaulted by those involved in the brawl and at one point was on the ground being punched. The eyewitness said at some point Crews was able to retreat from the brawling crowd and then fell unconscious on the front loader vehicle.”
Key words “eye witness who asked to remain anonymous”. Unless someone comes forward and tells the story, on the record, contained in an official written statement taken by the police, then what is said anonymously means nothing.
Rather than letting the PD handle things, Crews attempted to intervene and breakup the altercation which ultimately cost him his life. I would say the only other recourse the family has is a civil suit.
Absolute sad state of affairs that never should have happened. I hope the horror of the tragedy lives forever in the minds of the individuals who were responsible and haunts them everyday for the rest of their lives.
God Bless his family and friends.
Super sad way to at a nighy your supposed to be smiling and enjoying your time out and helping at a track.