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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.