Justin Wilson, an IndyCar racer who sustained serious injuries in a horrific crash at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, has died as a result of that accident.
He was 37 years old.
Wilson was struck in the head by a piece of debris on Sunday and spent nearly 24 hours in a coma before passing away Monday at around 9:15 p.m. at a hospital in Pennsylvania.
In response to the tragedy, Wilson’s family issued a statement calling the athlete a “loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.”
His relatives went on to thank the entire racing community and fans around the world for “an amazing outpouring of support.”
Tweeted Wilson’s colleague and competitor, Danica Patrick, soon after the sad news spread:
“Wow, what a sad day. @justin_wilson was a good man. A great man. I had the pleasure of knowing him and pray for his family.”
Added racing legend Jeff Gordon:
“So sad to hear that we lost Justin Wilson today. Thoughts & prayers to his family and friends."