IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died Monday after suffering a severe head injury when debris from a crash struck him in the closing laps of Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
Mark Miles, CEO of the parent company of IndyCar, confirmed Wilson’s death Monday evening, according to CNN.
The crash occurred with 21 laps to go when race leader Sage Karam spun in Turn 1 and debris flew from his car. It is believed that Wilson was then knocked unconscious, causing him to veer off course and collide head-on with the inside wall.
After the accident Sunday, Wilson was airlifted to nearby Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital where he remained in a coma in critical condition.
As news of his death spread, fellow driver Danica Patrick remembered Wilson on Twitter, calling it a “sad day.”
Wow, what a sad day. @justin_wilson was a good man. A great man. I had the pleasure of knowing him and pray for his family. 🙏🏼
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) August 25, 2015
Wilson, 37, was a native of Sheffield, England. He had seven victories in a 12-year career in U.S.-based open-wheel circuits.
Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, and children Jane and Jessica.