"All options" are open regarding possible criminal investigation into deadly Tony Stewart crash

NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart may soon find himself at the center of a criminal investigation after killing a driver who was on the track during a race in Ontario, County, in upstate New York.

Fox Sports reports that the sheriff of Ontario County told CNN in a televised interview that "all options," remained on the table in terms of a criminal investigation and the eventual pressing of charges.

The possible charges could run the gamut from manslaughter to first-degree murder.

The dead collision took place after a car driven by Stewart hit the rear wheel of driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a sprint car race at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park, 30 miles outside Rochester, N.Y.  The event was not a NASCAR event.

A video on YouTube captured the entirety of the events. Stewart's collision with Ward's vehicle caused Ward to spin out, effectively ruining his chances to win the race. Ward appeared to be livid about the collision, jumping out his car and standing on the track, pointing angrily at Stewart as he rounds a turn out of view of the video.

One of the cars avoids Ward, but when Stewart neared the portion of the track, he hit Ward, throwing his body at least 50 feet. Ward was declared dead after arriving at a local hospital. 

In a statement, Stewart expressed remorse, despite initially saying he would race in a NASCAR event scheduled for Sunday, less than a day after the deadly collision.

The statement read, "There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It's a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I've decided not to participate in today's race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."

Stewart is a three-time NASCAR champion.