Justin Wilson Dies of Head Injury Aged 37

IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died of a head injury at the age of 37.

He died in hospital on Monday, August 24.

Justin Wilson was in coma after a piece of debris struck him at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.

IndyCar announced his death at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Justin Wilson, a British driver who lived outside Denver in Longmont, Colorado, was hit in the head during Sunday’s race by piece of debris that had broken off another car. His car veered into an interior wall at the track, and he was swiftly taken by helicopter to a hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

His younger brother, Stefan Wilson, also an IndyCar driver, tweeted: “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 said his brother’s organs would be donated.

Justin Wilson won seven times over 12 seasons in open-wheel racing and finished as high as fifth in the Indianapolis 500.

An acclaimed sports car racer, Justin Wilson won the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona with Michael Shank Racing, and he competed in 20 Formula One races in 2003 before moving to the U.S. to join Champ Car.

He finished third in the Champ Car standings in 2005, and was runner-up in both 2006 and 2007. To support his career, his management team in 2003 created a program that allowed fans to invest in the driver. Hundreds of people bought shares in Justin Wilson, who was dyslexic and a strong supporter of foundations related to the disorder.

Justin Wilson, a native of Sheffield, England, entered this season without a full-time ride. He latched on with Andretti Autosport and was in the sixth of seven scheduled races with the team. The agreement began as a two-race deal for events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and then was increased to the final five races of the year.

The IndyCar season concludes on August 30 in Sonoma, California.

Justin Wilson leaves behind a wife, Julia, and two daughters, 7 and 5. The family asked for donations to a trust fund for his daughters in lieu of flowers.