IndyCar driver Justin Wilson dies after crash

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 IndyCar, 4551 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, Ind. 46222″. Monday night it was reported he had died.

Wilson is survived by wife, Julia, and two daughters.

Wilson was airlifted to Lehigh Vallery Health Network hospital and put into a coma after the crash at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania.

“We’re saddened to have lost such an exceptional driver, friend and role model to many in the IndyCar community”, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said in a statement. He was a champion! Even at this time.

They added that as an organ donor, they will honour his wish to help others after his death. But I’m not going to stop trying to improve it. He was one of the most popular drivers among his peers, and his strong technical ability was evident in the Andretti team’s recently improved performance.

A host of American motorsport royalty also posted tributes on social media.

He is the first driver since Dan Wheldon in 2011 to die in a major U.S.-based auto racing series. You mention ‘team player, ‘ that’s Justin, and it’s hard to find that sort of guy in sports.

The HQ’s thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson family and the series as well… The open-cockpit design of an IndyCar is a longstanding open-wheel tradition. “I am very sad & hurt for his family”. NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Junior and Danica Patrick offered their condolences as well. News has learned that Justin Wilson has passed away.

Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and to the @IndyCar family. He began his F1 career with Minardi at the start of the 2003 season, turning out in 11 grands prix before moving across to Jaguar Racing later in the year where he raced in the remaining five races.

IndyCar has had its share of safety issues since the season opener at St. Petersburg, Fla., where debris from a auto sailed over the grandstands and struck a fan.

He later moved to the United States, competing in Champ auto from 2004 to 2007 – and finishing as runner up in 2006 and 2007.