Wilson dies of head injury

25 August 2015 01:31

Sheffield-born IndyCar driver Justin Wilson has died as a result of the injuries he suffered in an accident during a race on Sunday, the IndyCar Series has announced.

The 37-year-old former Formula One driver, who was competing for Andretti Autosport, suffered a head injury when Sage Karam's car crashed in front of him during a race at the Pocono Raceway .

He was in a coma after being airlifted to hospital, but at a press conference on Monday evening, IndyCar Series officials announced Wilson had passed away.

Mark Miles, CEO of IndyCar's parent company Hulman & Co, said in a statement: "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."

Wilson was struck by debris from Karam's crash, which occurred on lap 180 of the 200-lap ABC Supply 500 race at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania.

Wilson is survived by his wife Julia and his two daughters. His brother Stefan also competes in the IndyCar series.

Wilson was a former F1 driver, having competed for Minardi and Jaguar during the 2003 season.

He later moved to the United States, competing in Champ Car from 2004 to 2007 and later IndyCar, competing in 174 races and recording seven wins, the latest of which came in 2012 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Wilson's death comes almost four years after British driver Dan Wheldon was killed at the Las Vegas Speedway in the same series.

Source: PA