Justin Wilson Dies at 37 Due to Head Injury Suffered During IndyCar Crash

IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died on Monday from a head injury suffered during Sunday's ABC Supply 500 at the Pocono Raceway, confirmed IndyCar.com.

Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, provided a statement on the news, via IndyCar.com:

"

This is a monumentally sad day for INDYCAR and the motorsports community as a whole. 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.

"

IndyCar released an update earlier on Monday stating the driver remained in a coma.

Karam was leading the race with 20 laps remaining but struck a wall, sending debris from his car into the air. Some of that debris appeared to strike Wilson in the head as he came around a turn. Wilson then lost control of his car and crashed into the interior barrier.

The race was placed under caution while Wilson was airlifted to a hospital. Karam walked away from the incident. Fellow driver Tony Stewart reportedly sent his plane to transport Wilson's family to the hospital where Wilson is located, per Holly Cain of NASCAR.com.

Wilson was in his eighth IndyCar season and recently earned his first career podium finish, coming in second at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Aug. 2, per Jeff Olson of USA Today (h/t IndyStar.com).

Wilson also had led the charge to improve fan safety at races, per Olson's report, which stated the driver was one of three driver representatives to IndyCar alongside Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan.

He is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters.