{"id":47908,"date":"2015-08-24T21:13:45","date_gmt":"2015-08-25T01:13:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/breaking911.com\/?p=47908"},"modified":"2015-08-24T21:15:48","modified_gmt":"2015-08-25T01:15:48","slug":"breaking-indycar-driver-justin-wilson-dies-of-head-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/breaking911.com\/breaking-indycar-driver-justin-wilson-dies-of-head-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"IndyCar Driver Justin Wilson Dies of Head Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"
Verizon IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson has died after being\u00a0hospitalized in a coma.<\/p>\n
Wilson sustained\u00a0a severe head injury during the Aug. 23 race at Pocono Raceway.<\/p>\n
Race leader Sage Karam crashed ahead of the pack, scattering debris on the track. A large piece of Karam’s nose cone bounced in the air, striking Wilson in the head as he drove by.<\/p>\n
Wilson’s car swerved left and struck the inside wall head-on.<\/p>\n
“This is a monumentally sad day for INDYCAR and the motorsports community as a whole,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., 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. 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.”<\/p>\n
Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters. His younger brother Stefan is an accomplished race car driver who has competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indy Lights. Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Wilson children. Donations may be sent to: Wilson Children’s Fund, c\/o INDYCAR, 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.<\/p>\n
According to WTHR, Wilson, 37, is the first IndyCar driver killed in an accident since fellow Englishman Dan Wheldon died during the season-ending race in Las Vegas in October 2011.<\/p>\n