IndyCar driver Justin Wilson has succumbed to the head injury he sustained during the motorsport series at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, the motorsport body confirmed on Monday night.
The British racer went into coma yesterday, after sustaining the injury during the closing laps of the race on Sunday. Wilson was struck in the head by some debris that flung across from the car of Sage Karam. It is assumed that the nose cone from Karam's car flew and struck the 37-year-old in the head.
Wilson lost his consciousness at once, and his car rammed straight into a wall.
The tragic news has come as a shock to the motorsports community over the world.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justin Wilson," Andretti Autosport -- Wilson's racing team -- said in a statement. "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."
Justin's brother Stefan Wilson, who is also a racing driver, took to twitter to express his grief, and added that Justin had earlier pledged to donate his organs.
"This is a monumentally sad day for INDYCAR and the motorsports community as a whole," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"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."
Justin's wife, Julia Wilson, paid tribute to her husband, in an official statement released by the family.
"Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers," the statement read.
"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."
