(UPDATE 02-08-21): The Volusia Sheriff's Office says a preliminary autopsy report indicates 59-year-old Russell Crews' death was caused by a cardiac event. The case remains open pending the completion of a final autopsy report, but no criminal charges are pending.
New Smyrna Beach, FL - A New Smyrna Speedway employee dies after he had a medical episode following an altercation between race teams.
The Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO) says the investigation into 59-year-old Russell Crews death began after deputies were called to the speedway just after midnight on Sunday (February 7th) after learning about a large altercation between two race teams that reportedly involved a dozen or more people. According to witnesses, Crews went in to disperse the crowd but somehow became involved in the fight.
After the crowds dispersed, Crews sat down and began to have a medical episode. A witness then started CPR and continued until paramedics were able to take over and bring Crews to a hospital. He was later pronounced dead at 2:30 in the morning.
Currently, investigators say there is no direct link between Crews’ death and any specific actions of anyone involved in the altercation. An autopsy has been scheduled and the death investigation remains active.
