After suffering a head injury at Sunday’s ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway, IndyCar driver Justin Wilson passed away on Monday night. Wilson, a native of England who began racing on the IndyCar circuit in 2008, was hit in the head by debris that was on the track after a crash, then crashed into the wall and was airlifted to a hospital. According to the Associated Press, the cause of death was a head injury.
After the news was announced, Wilson’s brother Stefan, who is also a driver and was a teammate of Justin’s on Dale Coyne Racing in 2013, took to Twitter to honor his older brother.
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
He lived for this sport, he loved it. The only comfort I feel is that he lived a life he loved! RIP mate, I'll chuffing miss you.
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, and his two daughters, Jane Louise and Jessica Lynne. According to IndyCar.com, a fund has been set up with the intention of supporting Wilson’s children. The family also released a statement through the site.
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.
(via IndyCar.com)
