Justin Wilson passed away Monday after being struck in the head with a piece of debris from another car during a crash at Pocono Raceway Sunday. The British driver was 37-years-old.
The tragic turn of events started when Verizon IndyCar Series rookie Sage Karam spun into the wall in Turn 1 on Lap 179 of the ABC Supply 500. The crash ripped off the nose of his car and into the air, finding Wilson’s helmet.
Wilson was immediately taken to a hospital in critical condition before passing away due to his head injury. He is the first driver to die in a major U.S.-based race since Dan Wheldon in 2011.
Wilson is survived by his wife Julia and two daughters Jane, 7, and Jessica, 5.
The Wilson family issued this statement Monday night:
“With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.
Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.
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 family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of IndyCar.”
Wilson started 173 races in the Champ Car and the IndyCar Series from 2004-2015. He had 7 career wins.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
