Justin Wilson, Racecar Driver Who Died Sunday In Pa., Saved 6 Lives By Donating Organs

Even in death, late IndyCar driver Justin Wilson found a way to give to others.

The racecar driver who died on Sunday after an accident at Pocono Raceway saved six lives on Tuesday by donating his organs through Gift of Life, his brother said.

Wilson, 37, was described by friends, family, and other members of the racing community on social media as a deeply caring person who did extensive charitable work for people with dyslexia, something which he suffered from as well.

Wilson was struck in the head by a piece of a debris from another crashed car during the Verizon IndyCar event in the Poconos on August 23.

He died later that day at Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown.

“He just keeps setting the bar higher,” said his younger brother Stefan Wilson, who is also a racecar driver, when he learned of the impact of his brother’s organ donation.

“Through the act of donation, his legacy shall live on,” Donate Life America posted on their Facebook page in a tribute.

Wilson, a native of Sheffield, England, was a popular figure in the racing community, and tributes to him poured in from across the Internet.

“Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers,” his family said in a statement.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence also expressed his condolences.

“Like every race fan in Indiana, our hearts were saddened to learn of the loss of one of IndyCar’s most popular drivers,” Pence said in a statement .”Justin Wilson was a courageous driver on the track and a kind and gracious man off the track. He will be missed. On behalf of every Hoosier, Karen and I offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for Julia, his daughters and the extended family, friends and teammates of this heroic and good man.”

In Indianapolis, one eight-year-old with dyslexia remembered meeting Wilson and how the driver inspired him to live his life to the fullest, according to WTHR.

“He said not to let dyslexia stop me,” Elliot told WTHR.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of INDYCAR: Wilson Children’s Fund, C/O INDYCAR, 4551 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222.

Image courtesy JustinWilson.co.uk.