IndyCar driver Justin Wilson has died after sustaining head injuries during the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Sunday afternoon. He was 37.
Wilson, born in Sheffield, England, was following a pack of cars Sunday when race leader Sage Karam spun and hit the outside wall. The impact sent debris from Karam’s car flying into the air and across the track. Wilson’s helmet was hit with the nosecone piece of Karam’s car, which is believed to have knocked him unconscious.
Following the incident, Wilson was immediately airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He remained in a coma throughout Sunday night and Monday, but succumbed to his injuries Monday night. Wilson is survived by his wife Julia and their two daughters.
“This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole,” said IndyCar CEO Mark Miles. “Justin’s elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility – which is what made him one of the most respected members of the paddock. As we know, the racing industry is one big family, and our efforts moving forward will be focused on rallying around Justin’s family to ensure they get the support they need during this unbelievably difficult time.”
“Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers,” a statement released by the Wilson family reads. “The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital, Pocono Raceway, Andretti Autosport, and the Verizon IndyCar Series as well as the entire racing community for the amazing outpouring of support from fans around the world.”
The Wilson family has requested that instead of flowers, friends and fans of Wilson’s make donations to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of IndyCar. We’ve embedded the address for the fund below.
Wilson Children’s Fund
C/O INDYCAR
4551 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Comments
So sad to hear, Hopefully changes will be made to the cars to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Glad to see the support for his family already, it’s got to be tough on all of them.
I hope that God is always with him.
A big hug from Spain
Maybe roll cages like midgets, sprints and super-modifieds?