Justin Wilson death: IndyCar driver saved six lives by donating organs, his brother says

Wilson succumbed to severe head injuries on Monday night after suffering a freak accident during an IndyCar race in the United States

Justin Wilson died aged 37 (AP)

Justin Wilson helped save six lives after he donated his organs following his death, his brother has said.

The 37-year old former Formula One driver died after he was struck on the crash helmet by debris at an IndyCar race in Pennsylvania on Sunday.

Wilson was airlifted to a nearby hospital after he was rendered unconscious following the incident at the Pocono Raceway.

But the Sheffield-born racer succumbed to his injuries with his wife Julia at his bedside on Monday night.

Stefan Wilson, also a professional racing driver, said his elder brother's organs would be donated in the wake of his death. And on Tuesday he claimed six people benefited from his selfless actions.

OBITUARY: JUSTIN WILSON

Stefan Wilson wrote on his Twitter account: "With #giftoflife @justin-wilson saved 6 lives today. He just keeps setting the bar higher. Keep Julia & the girls in your prayers #myherojw."

Justin Wilson's death meant the motor racing world was once more mourning the death of a fellow driver after Jules Bianchi lost his battle only 37 days ago following the devastating brain injuries he sustained at last October's Japanese Grand Prix.

Wilson was a popular driver in a professional career which spanned more than a decade. He competed in the 2003 Formula One season, racing for Minardi and Jaguar, before he moved to America and started 174 IndyCar races.

Red Bull Racing, the team to emerge from the ashes of Jaguar, flew their flags at half-mast at their Milton Keynes headquarters in tribute to Wilson.

And Lewis Hamilton, the Formula One world champion who won in Belgium on Sunday, led the tributes to his compatriot.

"I woke up this morning feeling positive in my heart until I read the news," said Hamilton.

"I am so devastated to hear of another passing of a great man and driver. I'd met Justin Wilson a few times growing up and he was the ultimate gentleman.

"Whilst I only knew him a little, I will miss him. We will miss him. May God rest his soul and keep his hands over his family."

The tragedy comes less than four years after the last fatality in IndyCar. Briton's Dan Wheldon died after a devastating 15-car pile-up at the Las Vegas Speedway in October, 2011.

His sister Holly posted a picture of her brother and Wilson on Tuesday. "May these two gorgeous British boys rest in peace together. #BadassWilson #Lionheart," she wrote.

Question marks will again be raised over IndyCar's safety record - Wilson is the eighth driver to die in the series in 20 years - as well as the inherent dangers associated with open-cockpit racing.

It was reported on Tuesday that the FIA, motor racing's governing body, will hold closed-cockpit tests in September.

Additional reporting by PA