UK, Wednesday 09 March 2016
A British IndyCar driver who was fatally injured during a race died as the result of a "freak accident", his father has said.
Justin Wilson was hit by a piece of flying debris during the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania in August.
Race leader Sage Karam crashed his car into a barrier, causing debris to scatter across the track in the closing stages of the race.
Drivers swerved to avoid the debris, but Sheffield born Wilson, 37, was hit on the helmet by a piece of Karam's car.
He was taken to a nearby hospital in Allentown,but died of his injuries a little over 24 hours after the accident.
A statement from Wilson's father Keith was read during a brief inquest in the boardroom of Northampton General Hospital by coroner Anne Pember.
It said: "The car leading the race crashed and was driving at over 200mph.
"The driver was unhurt but debris from his car flew high into the air and a large, heavy piece hit Justin on the head as he approached the scene of the accident.
"Justin was unconscious, he was extracted from the car and rushed to hospital.
"He underwent surgery and was kept on a life support machine until the following day.
"The decision was then taken to switch off the machine and Justin was pronounced deceased.
"Justin was a kind, caring and loving son who is sadly missed by all of his family and friends."
Mrs Pember concluded that Wilson's death was accidental.
Wilson once raced in Formula 1 for Minardi and Jaguar, and was competing for Andretti Autosport at the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife Julia and two young daughters.
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