INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Aug. 24, 2015) – Verizon IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson passed away Monday after a crash at Pocono Raceway Sunday night. IMS President Doug Boles and CEO of Hulman & Company Mark Miles made the announcement just after 9 p.m. Monday.
“It is with profound sadness we announce Justin Wilson died this evening as a result of a head injury,” said Miles.
Wilson, 37, was struck in the head by debris from a single-car crash on Lap 180 of the 200-lap race. Wilson was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa.
“Justin’s elite ability to drive a racecar was matched by his unwavering kindness, character, and humility which made him one of the most respected members of the paddock,” said Miles.
Ryan Hunter-Reay won the race Sunday. After the race, he said, “My first thoughts are with Justin.”
After the announcement, Wilson’s family issued 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.
Wilson Children’s Fund
c/o Forum Credit Union
PO Box 50738
Indianapolis, IN
46250-0738
IMS President Doug Boles issued the following statement:
We’re saddened to have lost such an exceptional driver, friend and role model to many in the INDYCAR community. Justin was one of the most versatile and talented drivers of the last 15 years, as evidenced by his wins in sports cars, Champ Car and INDYCAR. More important than his driving ability was his approachable personality, his calm spirit, and the respect he earned throughout the racing community for the tremendous person, friend, father and husband he was. Justin made innumerable friends and admirers throughout the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR communities. All of us at IMS extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Wilson family.
I can't find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family. #RIPJustin
— Sage Karam (@SageKaram) August 25, 2015
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
#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
So sad to hear that we lost Justin Wilson today. Thoughts & prayers to his family and friends.
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) August 25, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Justin Wilson's family and the entire racing community tonight #RIPJustinWilson
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) August 25, 2015
Our thoughts are with Justin Wilson's family and all of @IndyCar.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 25, 2015
I will miss you @justin_wilson so very much. I don't have many heroes, but Stefan and Julia are among them after how strong they've been.
— James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) August 25, 2015
