A host of famous names from the motorsports world have paid tribute to Justin Wilson after the British racing driver succumbed to a severe head injury caused in a freak IndyCar accident.
Wilson, who also raced in Formula One during his career as well as the likes of F3000 and sportscar racing, was struck on the head by a large piece of the nose assembly from Sage Karam’s car that had been heavily damaged in a separate accident.
Wilson was airlifted to a nearby hospital after receiving treatment trackside, but died on Monday night.
Read more:
Wilson dies aged 37 after freak IndyCar crash
British ex-F1 driver Wilson in freak Pocono crash
His brother, Stefan, who also races professionally, admitted he “can’t even begin to describe the loss” that he felt, and praised the generosity of Justin – who it has been revealed will donate his organs to those in need of help.
Can't even begin to describe the loss I feel right now. He was my Brother, my best friend, my role model and mentor. He was a champion!
; Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
He never stopped giving & caring for others. Even at this time. He had pre-chosen to donate his organs to help others in need. #myherojw
; Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
I often told him, I just want to grow up to be half the man he is, as that will make me a pretty good man. pic.twitter.com/Q3hOCtu5Pv
; Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
He lived for this sport, he loved it. The only comfort I feel is that he lived a life he loved! RIP mate, I'll chuffing miss you.
; Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
Two of those who raced alongside Wilson in F1 were quick to pay tribute to him, with Jenson Button and Mark Webber posting their tributes on Twitter.
The motorsport World comes 2 a standstill once again. @justin_wilson was a great person & racing driver. My thoughts are with his family RIP
; Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
I raced with Justin as far back as 1989 in Karting and remember his smile was infectious, such a lovely guy. #RIPJustin
; Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
Last night a very good man left us. Mate. So sorry. RIP Justin My thoughts are with your loved ones.
; Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) August 25, 2015
Wilson’s death is the first in IndyCar since the fatal accident suffered by fellow Briton Dan Wheldon nearly four years ago. His sister, Holly Wheldon, paid tribute to the both of them, and said: “May these to gorgeous British boys rest in peace together #BadassWilson #Lionheart.
May these two gorgeous British boys rest in peace together. #BadassWilson #Lionheart pic.twitter.com/z2mludlVWM
; Holly Wheldon (@hollywheldon) August 25, 2015
A host of other names have also sent their messages of support to Wilson’s family and friends, many of which hailed from the likes of F1, IndyCar, Sportscars, British Touring Cars and many other forms of motorsports who had raced with Wilson at some point during his career.
#INDYCAR driver Justin Wilson has passed away from his injuries. #BadassWilson http://t.co/RzecwmzPgb pic.twitter.com/hMzwsnFswO
; IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) August 25, 2015
Motorsport in mourning again. @justin_wilson, top racing driver, but more importantly a son, husband, and father. RIP pic.twitter.com/gSaNKGVrNm
; Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) August 25, 2015
Such sad news. Our deepest condolences go to Justin's family and all who knew & admired him. RIP Justin... https://t.co/i2e9Uo43H3
; Lotus F1 Team (@Lotus_F1Team) August 25, 2015
I can't believe the tragic news about Justin. Such a happy, positive & talented man. Our sport will miss him terribly. #RIPJustinWilson
; Oliver Gavin (@olivergavin) August 25, 2015
Tough day in motorsport today as we loose another great person and driver. RIP Justin. You will be miss. Thoughts and prayers for his family
; Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) August 25, 2015
Oh man, my heart is aching another friend gone. Godspeed to one of racing's truest gentlemen. #justinwilson
; Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) August 25, 2015
Why do we do this? Because we love it, don't want to be anywhere else but a race car. We will keep your legacy my friend. Racers race.
; Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) August 25, 2015
Extremely sad to hear that Justin Wilson has passed away. All my thoughts are with his family #RIPJustin
; Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) August 25, 2015
Devastating news to wake up to. My most sincere condolences to Julia and the girls, Stefan, Keith and Lynne. Rest easy buddy @justin_wilson
; Jason Plato (@jasonplato) August 25, 2015
So sad to hear that Justin Wilson passed away. What a dreadful news and what a dramatic year for racing. Losing too many champions
; Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) August 25, 2015
A fund has been set-up for donations to be made to help look after Wilson’s two daughters.
Donations can be made to Justin's children via: Wilson Children's Fund, c/o INDYCAR, 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222. #BadassWilson
; IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) August 25, 2015
The tragic news means that the motorsports world is in mourning for the second time in the space of just over a month, following the loss of Jules Bianchi in July after his horrifying accident at last year's Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.
