IndyCar driver Justin Wilson dies

English driver Justin Wilson died Monday as a result of head injuries sustained in Sunday's IndyCar Series race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa.

He was 37.

IndyCar made the announcement Monday night at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Wilson was competing in his sixth race this year for Andretti Autosport when it appeared he was struck on the helmet by debris from Sage Karam's one-car crash that occurred in front of Wilson's car.

Wilson's car was then knocked into an angled wall that was protected by a barrier on the inside part of Turn 1.

Airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa., on Sunday evening, Wilson remained in a coma in critical condition Monday until his death.

Karam tweeted Monday night, "I can't find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family. #RIPJustin"

Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said in a statement, "This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole. Justin's elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility -- which is what made him one of the most respected members of the paddock. As we know, the racing industry is one big family, and our efforts moving forward will be focused on rallying around Justin's family to ensure they get the support they need during this unbelievably difficult time."

Wilson finished second in the IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Aug. 2 in his last event before Pocono.

The soft-spoken, 6-foot-4 Wilson was one of the most popular drivers among other drivers.

Wilson started his racing career in go-karts at age 9. He raced Formula 1 for Minardi and Jaguar in 2003, then moved to the United States the next year to begin driving in the Champ Car-sanctioned IndyCar series for Conquest Racing.

He finished second to Sebastien Bourdais in the 2006 and 2007 Champ Car points standings.

Wilson had four victories in Champ Car racing, then won three more races after joining the IZOD IndyCar series in 2008. He recorded his first IndyCar series victory at the 2008 Detroit Grand Prix. He also won at Watkins Glen in 2009 and at Texas Motor Speedway in 2012.

In 2011, Wilson broke his back in a crash at Mid-Ohio and suffered a bruised lung and a broken pelvis at Fontana, Calif., in 2013.

Wilson made 174 career starts in IndyCar and Champ Car. He earned eight career poles, 47 top-five finishes and 94 top-10 finishes.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, and children Jane and Jessica.

Several NASCAR drivers tweeted responses to the news of Wilson's death.

Joey Logano: Terrible and tragic news. Prayers to his family and friends. We are all family. #RIPJustin

Danica Patrick: Wow, what a sad day. @justin_wilson was a good man. A great man. I had the pleasure of knowing him and pray for his family.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and to the @IndyCar family. #RIPJustinWilson

Jeff Gordon: So sad to hear that we lost Justin Wilson today. Thoughts & prayers to his family and friends.

Meanwhile, Karam was released from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Monday after his right heel and left wrist were evaluated, IndyCar officials announced.

According to Dr. Terry Trammell, IndyCar medical consultant, CT scans revealed no broken bones for Karam, 20, who will be re-evaluated before being cleared to drive.