Twice Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon has died from accidental injury* suffered in a massive 15-car accident at the Indy 300 in Las Vegas earlier today.
Wheldon car was catapulted over other cars in the crash, which occurred on Lap 12, catching part of the fence outside Turn 2. Wheldon was taken to a local hospital in "serious" condition, but later succumbed to his injuries. Randy Bernard, CEO, Indy Car, made the announcement of the death of Wheldon and canceled the race after five laps of a tribute.
Earlier this year, Wheldon, 33, was a storybook Indy 500 winner, and then he dedicated to his mother, who had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Replaced by Panther Racing JR Hildebrand early in the season, Wheldon landed a seat with Bryan Herta Autosport. Wheldon won the Indy when Hildebrand crashed on the last lap.
Without a turn for the rest of the season, Wheldon was eligible for the offer of Bernard award $ 5 million for any non-regular series driver who won the season finale in Las Vegas.
(Note: Video can be unsettling for some viewers)
“In his obituary from the Associated Press, Wheldon is said to have moved to the U.S. his native England in hopes of winning the Indy 500, which he ultimately did, twice - in 2005 and 2011. He also scored 16 careers Indy Car win, and won the series championship in 2005.”
Wheldon is survived by his wife Susie and his two sons: Sebastian, 2, and Oliver, 6 months.
