Justin Wilson dies 2015: IndyCar driver dies after Pocono crash
Justin Wilson, 37-year-old IndyCar driver, died Monday after suffering from severe head injuries at the Pocono Raceway on Sunday.
The British driver was struck by debris from Sage Karam's car. Yahoo! News reported that Karam was leading the race and later crashed, as debris from his car flew across the track, and with what appeared to be the nose cone of his car crashing into Wilson's helmet, who was just behind. Wilson was immediately knocked unconscious as his car went into a left spin and crashed into the track's inside wall.
Airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the former Formula 1 racer fell into a coma.
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IndyCar made the sad announcement of the seven-time IndyCar race winner's passing at approximately 9 p.m. ET on Monday. He is survived by his wife Julia and their two children.
According to BBC Sports, his family described Wilson as a "loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers."
Many of the racer's friends and former racing opponents paid tribute on social media, including Jenson Button, Nigel Mansell, and Dario Franchitti.
Karam has also spoken for the first time after the crash and following his release from the hospital because of heel and wrist injuries, saying, "I can't find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family."
IndyCar CEO Mark Miles said in a statement, "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," adding that the racing industry will stand behind the fallen racer's family as they struggle to get on with life after the incident.
Wilson is a Sheffield, England native, who obtained seven major U.S. open-wheel victories, including three in the IndyCar series, his last win coming from the Texas Motor Speedway in 2012. He was also part of the winning team earlier in the year during the 24 Hours of Daytona event.
