(CNN) — IndyCar driver Justin Wilson, who was struck by a part careening off a crashed race car, has died, Mark Miles, CEO of the parent company of IndyCar, said late Monday.
The Wilson family released the following statement:
“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.”
[Original story, posted at 1:03 p.m. ET]
A part careening off a crashed race car struck IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in the head, leading to severe injuries that have left him in a coma, the racing league said Monday.
The nose cone of driver Sage Karam’s car flew off after he crashed Sunday at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, and struck Wilson in the head. Wilson’s No. 25 Andretti Autosport Honda then hit a wall before coming to rest on the track.
Unlike NASCAR vehicles, IndyCar vehicles have an open cockpit, leaving racers more exposed.
The accident happened with 21 laps left in the ABC Supply 500.
Wilson, 37, was flown to Lehigh Valley Health Network-Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he remained in critical condition Monday, according to IndyCar.
Karam was also taken to the hospital for evaluation of a foot injury. It was unclear if he was admitted.
Hospital spokesman Brian Downs referred questions Monday to IndyCar.
Karam tweeted Sunday that he was “thinking and praying” for Wilson and his family.
Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, who won the race, said the accident looked terrifying.
“Just to be an innocent bystander like that and get hit in the head with a nose cone is a scary thought,” Hunter-Reay said.
“He has a family, just like I do. He’s a great friend, a teammate. Can’t say enough about the guy on and off the racetrack.”
