IndyCar: Justin Wilson succumbs to injuries

Justin Wilson has died from injuries sustained in an accident during Sunday’s IndyCar race at Pocono.

The 37-year-old was struck in the head by a large piece of debris thrown from the car of Sage Karam, who had spun and crashed into the outside wall.

Medical personnel were on the scene within moments, and he was airlifted to the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he was assessed to have suffered a severe head injury. He died on Monday afternoon without regaining consciousness.

• OBITUARY: Justin Wilson 1978 - 2015

Wilson’s family issued a statement acknowledging the efforts that had been made to save his life.

"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,’ it read.

"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."

Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway declared: "This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole.

"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."

Andretti Autosport released a statement paying tribute to the contribution the Briton had made during his short time with the team.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justin Wilson. He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport. While Justin was only a part of the Andretti lineup for a short time, it only took a second for him to forever become part of the Andretti family. His life and racing career is a story of class and passion surpassed by none. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Wilson family and fans worldwide.”

 
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of INDYCAR.
 
Wilson Children's Fund
C/O INDYCAR
4551 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222