LONG POND -- The driver injured in Sunday's IndyCar race at Pocono Raceway died Monday night.
Justin Wilson was left in a coma in critical condition at a hospital in Allentown. His death was announced just after 9 p.m.
The 37 year old's racing career spanned two decades. The driver from England was hit by flying debris after a crash at Pocono.
The husband and father of two daughters was flown to the Lehigh Valley where IndyCar executives say he passed away surrounded by his family.
"Justin's elite ability to drive a racecar was matched by his unwavering kindness, character, and humility which made him one of the most respected members of the paddock," IndyCar executive Mark Miles said in a press conference Monday night.
Newswatch 16 spoke with many fans earlier Monday, who were hoping for a recovery. Fans say this is a reminder of how dangerous the racing industry can be. For these fans of speed, they were chomping at the bit to take a spin around the track here at the West End Fair near Gilbert at an attraction called Dirt-a-Rama.
But even with all this fun, safety comes first.
"It still can be pretty dangerous, in any kind of racing. That's why we got all this safety equipment," said Ron Farber of New Jersey.
Many of these race fans watched the crash at the IndyCar race at Pocono Raceway that knocked driver Justin Wilson unconscious after he was hit with flying debris from driver Sage Karam's car.
The crash happened with 21 laps left in the ABC Supply 500.
Dennis Takacs of Lehighton was among those in the crowd at the Tricky Triangle Sunday afternoon.
"You see the guy hit the wall that was leading and the other car hit and went down to the inside and just stopped. And we thought it was a minor accident because the other guy that hit the wall got out and he was fine," Takacs said.
After the crash, Karam, who is from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was treated and released from the hospital. But Wilson died after lingering in a coma at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown for more than a day.
Richard Smith makes race cars called stage one modified at his business in Kunkletown.
"I try to take all the precautions that I can. We try to get everybody to go with full containment seats anymore. Most of the drivers are getting head and neck restraint systems because it only takes a 35 mile an hour hit and you can break your neck," Smith said.
And news of Wilson's death will certainly hit these fans hard, who had been pulling for him since the crash.
"It's a really scary situation, makes you think twice. The equipment that we have, makes you double check everything," said Steven Frinde of Easton.
Justin Wilson's family released a statement:
"With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.
"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.
"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, IN 46222
In a statement from IndyCar, it sends its thoughts and prayers to Wilson's family and thanked the motorsports community for the outpouring of support.
Pocono Raceway released the following statement:
"It is with heavy hearts we express our deepest condolences to the Wilson family. Just was talented driver on the track and an amazing person to be around off it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Justin's family, his friends, his fans and everyone at Andretti Autosport. He will be missed."
