IndyCar racer Justin Wilson, who had been in a coma since Sunday after an accident at Pocono Raceway, died of his injuries Monday night, IndyCar confirmed.
Wilson was 37.
With 21 laps to go in Sunday's race, leader Sage Karam lost control of his car and crashed into the outside wall. Debris from Karam's car flew into the air, with a piece striking Wilson in the head. The debris knocked him unconscious and Wilson's car crashed into the inside wall.
"This is a monumentally sad day for INDYCAR and the motorsports community as a whole," Hulman & Co. CEO Mark Miles said in a statement. Hulman & Co. is 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," Miles said. "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."
Wilson, a seven-time Indy car winner from Sheffield, England, is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters.
