IndyCar Driver Justin Wilson Dies From Head Injury At Pocono Raceway, Community Reacts

IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson died Monday after suffering a head injury when he was struck by debris at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. He was 37.

"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, Aug. 23," the family of Wilson wrote in a statement. "Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers."

Wilson was struck by debris from driver Sage Karam's car with 20 laps to go in a race Sunday. Karam had been in the lead and crashed by himself, debris from his vehicle landing across the track. Wilson was reportedly knocked unconscious after being struck and then veered to the left, hitting a wall, Yahoo! reported.

Wilson was airlifted to a local hospital, and was in a coma and in critical condition. Monday night it was reported he had died. Drivers and others took to Twitter to respond to his passing. His brother Stefan Wilson, also a driver, commented Justin was his "role model and mentor," while Sage Karam posted, "I can't find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family." NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Junior and Danica Patrick offered their condolences as well.

Wilson, who had seven victories in 12 years of racing on the U.S.-based circuit, is the first IndyCar driver to die from a race-related injury since Dan Wheldon in 2012. Wheldon died after suffering a head injury during a race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, along with his two daughters Jane and Jessica, according to ESPN. The England-native was remembered fondly by those in his sport. "Anyone who follows our sport knows Justin is one of the most highly respected people in our business. He will be missed," IndyCar CEO Mark Miles said while announcing Wilson's death, according to NBC News.