IndyCar Racer Justin Wilson Dies After Pocono Crash

Justinparade2015

Justin Wilson died Monday from injuries sustained Sunday, when a piece of another crashed race car struck him. He was 37.
His family released a short statement thanking well-wishers and fans for their support after the crash. Wilson was a native of Sheffield, England and lived in Longmont, Colorado with his wife and two daughters.
“Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.”
Wilson was an advocate for track safety, not only for the racers but also for the spectators.
Wilson’s family announced Justin’s death on his website.
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 Children’s Fund
C/O INDYCAR
4551 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Wilson was a part-time driver in this year’s IndyCar series. His career spanned Formula 1, endurance and American Le Mans Series, including a win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2012.
On Sunday, Wilson was struck by debris from Sage Karam’s crash, outside of turn 1 on lap 179 of 200. Wilson was airlifted to a hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where officials said he was in a coma Sunday and Monday.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justin Wilson,” Andretti Autosport said in a statement released on Monday night. “He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport. While Justin was only 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.”
(Personally: Living in Denver and covering motorsports and cars, Justin’s personality was inescapable — not because it was so large, but because he was so magnetic. Wilson wasn’t only friendly, he was also very genuine — and even I know that’s rare. I sincerely missed seeing him at Pikes Peak this year partly because I looked forward to giving him grief for not racing the mountain on his bicycle. Take care, Justin. — Aaron)
(Photo courtesy JustinWilson.co.uk)

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