Death investigation underway following death of New Smyrna Speedway employee, deputies said

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County sheriff’s deputies are conducting an investigation after a New Smyrna Speedway employee died following an altercation at the racetrack.

According to deputies, the employee, 59-year-old Russel Crews, had a medical emergency following the altercation at the racetrack on Sunday and later died at the hospital.

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Deputies responded to the New Smyrna Speedway around 12:30 a.m. in reference to an altercation between two racing teams. The squabble involved a dozen or more people, according to deputies.

Witness said Crews stepped in to break up the crowd and become involved in a dispute of his own.

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According deputies, after the crowd dispersed, Crews sat down and began having a medical episode.

Deputies said a witness began performing CPR on Crews until EMS arrived. EMS took over and transported Crews to the hospital where he later died.

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This is an active investigation, and there is no evidence that links Crews’ death to any specific actions of anyone involved in the altercation.

There were no other injuries reported.

Cox Media Group