Justin Wilson's untimely and unfortunate death rocked the IndyCar world, but it's also brought an unexpected silver lining. Wilson's brother, Stefan, took to twitter on Tuesday to announce that by donating his organs Wilson has, in death, saved six lives.
Wilson died Monday night due to complications from a head injury suffered when he was struck by a piece of debris during a wreck on the closing laps of a race at Pocono Raceway. With 20 laps remaining in the ABC Supply 500, Sage Karam spun into the wall, his car breaking up on impact. The nosecone of Karam's splintering car traveled back down the track, striking Wilson in the head.
Wilson was airlifted to a hospital, but unfortunately doctors were unable to save him.
"To say that we are heartbroken over the loss of Justin Wilson would create the false impression that our pain is localized," said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development, via ESPN. "At a time earlier in the season, when we were in a continuing struggle to remain competitive in the Verizon IndyCar Series, Justin was the guy who WANTED to be with Honda, and he demonstrated that time and again. That allows you to take the measure of the man, and we will be forever grateful for his loyalty, and the gracious and gentlemanly way he represented our company, on and off the race track."
Wilson, a British ex-pat who lived in Colorado, was considered to be among the most popular drivers in the series. In 119 career races on the IndyCar circuit, Wilson had amassed three wins and finished on the podium 12 times.
While his death is no doubt jarring and difficult to accept for Wilson's friends, family and fans, that he was able to positively affect the lives of others even after suffering a tragic and fatal accident likely provides some much-needed solace.