English driver Justin Wilson passed away yesterday after suffering a severe head injury during an IndyCar race in Pennsylvania.
Wilson, 37, was in a coma since Sunday after his helmet was struck by debris from another car during the final few laps of the race.
His friends and loved ones flew down to be with him at Allentown hospital earlier today, before his death was announced.
#INDYCAR driver Justin Wilson has passed away from his injuries. #BadassWilson http://t.co/RzecwmzPgb pic.twitter.com/hMzwsnFswO
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) August 25, 2015
“This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motor sports community as a whole,” said Mark Miles, chief executive of the parent company which runs IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Justin’s elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his kindness, character and humility, which made him one of the most respected members of the team,” he added.
Wilson’s younger brother Stefan, also a racing driver, paid tribute on Twitter.
Can't even begin to describe the loss I feel right now. He was my Brother, my best friend, my role model and mentor. He was a champion!
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
He never stopped giving & caring for others. Even at this time. He had pre-chosen to donate his organs to help others in need. #myherojw
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
I often told him, I just want to grow up to be half the man he is, as that will make me a pretty good man. pic.twitter.com/Q3hOCtu5Pv
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
The last IndyCar driver to die because of an on-track incident was Indianapolis 500 champion Dan Wheldon, who was killed in 2011.
Wilson’s accident though, seems to be the last straw for many, with quite a number of people calling for a review of safety measures in motorsports.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=11&v=P7EFP_wr2fo
“Wilson’s death should lead to a thorough analysis of safety measures in the sport. I think that it is time that solutions are looked for, and maybe the drivers should come together to give ideas regarding it,” said Eddie Cheever, Indycar analyst for ESPN.
“Safety is a continuous project, and in the past IndyCar has done a good job in it. But this is something they are going to have to focus on more, compared to previous measures.”
This picture sums it all up. .. #RIPJustinWilson pic.twitter.com/oBI7J3BSpv
— Danielle Frye (@dfieldsfrye) August 25, 2015
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