UPDATE: 6:02 pm EST
At 6:00 pm EST, IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard confirmed Wheldon died from injuries he sustained from the crash. Wheldon, 33, leaves behind his wife Susie and kids Sebastian, 2, and Oliver, 7 months.
The race will not continue, and the drivers will do a 5-lap parade in his honor.
(Click here to read my post on Wheldon’s death…gone too soon).
——–
Just 11 laps into the last IndyCar race of the season, pure chaos hit. At the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 15 cars were involved in the wild crash. Dan Wheldon was the most affected after he went airborne, hit the wall and caught fire. His status is believed to be serious but no further word.
IndyCar officials confirmed that Dan Wheldon was taken by helicopter to the local hospital. Wheldon won the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Will Power was airlifted to the hospital as well, minutes later. Pippa Mann and JR Hildebrand were each taken by ground to the hospital for further observation.
Dario Franchitti’s wife Ashley Judd provided this update via twitter: “Thanks everyone for prayers. No update on Dan yet except unconscious but vitals are good. Everyone here very scared. Pray for medical team.”
And here is video from the 5-lap driver salute to Wheldon. Very emotional and very tough to watch:
I hope Dan pulls through ! My prayers are with him and his family and with those who were involved in this terrible crash !
Hope all goes well for Dan. Best wishes to the Wheldon family. Keith Willett
Horrible crash, hope Dan will be ok, my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
What an awful crash. My thoughts are with Dan and his family. Such an unfortunate end to the season.
R.I.P. Dan, you will be missed.
You will be missed Rest In Peace Dan
Your “SMILE” will forever live in our memories… R.I.P
I am so sorry for this horrible event to have happened. Dan was such a likeable guy on the Indy Circuit, and talented. He will be missed. Prayers go out to his family.
To Dans family may you find grace through God. To Dan may God hold you in the palm of his hands.
Dan you were a awesome driver and I enjoyed watching you race — you are now in Heaven with the Lord out of any Pain that you may have been feeling — You and Dale Earnhart Sr. ought to rule the race track in Heaven — My prayers go out to You and Your Family Dan and May You Rest In Peace ^j^ ^j^ ^j^
My deepest condolences to the Wheldon family and all of the Indy Car Fans. I truly feel your hurt and will mourn for many days for an incredible person and athlete.
RIP Dan Wheldon. Thank you for thrilling me and my friends at Indy Motor Speedway. “Timmy” may be the biggest jerk-off I’ve ever wasted my time reading on a thread that actually mattered to me. Pick ur time and places idiot. Speed limit has to be 255 in Heaven Danny Boy
As a racing fan. I am with heavy heart tonight. My thoughts are with his wife and two sons. Sebastian and Oliver. Thanks for the memories Dan.
Sad loss and some sad reading from both sides. RIP Dan.
Tim I can’t start to tell how ridiculous your commenats are not focused on the tragedy at hand, rather than your polical agenda. Keep in mind there was no draft, our soldiers made a decision to join the military (knowing it was dangerous) my son included.
Dan Wheldon unfortunately died doing what love, but it’s better those those that are killed in their car ( of no fault of their own ) headed to a job they hate.
Instead of sitting on the sofa watching TV that does nothing that effects, get out and see there are people in need. Your time would be better spent volunteering helping someone to get back on their feet.
The very first thing you should do is say a prayer for Dan’s family, keeping in mind he died doing what he loved.
Sincerely, J.Allen Pierce
My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
stretching earlobe gauging…
Video: Dan Wheldon dies in horrific IndyCar crash in Las Vegas | Vigilant Sports…