IndyCar Driver Justin Wilson Dead at 37 After Pocono Raceway Crash

British sportsman was airlifted to nearby Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital over the weekend

After suffering a severe head injury during Sunday's IndyCar race at Pocono Raceway, E! News has learned that Justin Wilson has passed away.

The 37-year-old British driver was airlifted to nearby Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital immediately following the serious crash, which occurred during the closing laps of the race.

The incident took place with 21 laps left when the race's leader, Sage Karam, spun out in the first turn, causing debris to fly out from his car.

Immediately after the debris hit the track, Wilson veered off the course and hit the inside wall head-on.

Karam was released from the hospital the same day after sustaining injuries to his right heel and left wrist.

Upon learning of Wilson's death, he tweeted the following heartbreaking message: "I can't find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family." 

Mark Miles, the CEO of Hulman & Company (owner of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway) released the following statement paying tribute to Wilson, saying, "This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole."

Miles continued, "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."

Meanwhile, Wilson's family released a statement paying tribute to the "loving father and devoted husband," saying, "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.