The funeral of Justin Wilson took place on Thursday morning in England as the motorsport world came together to pay its last respects to the former IndyCar and Formula 1 driver.
Wilson died at the age of 37 on August 24 from a severe head injury sustained in the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway one day earlier, after he was struck by debris from another car that had crashed.
On Thursday, Wilson was laid to rest in a service at St. James the Great church in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, near Silverstone where his wake was held later in the day.
Four-time IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti was one of Wilson’s pallbearers, as was former Jaguar F1 teammate Mark Webber.
Wilson’s wife, Julia, read a poem called “Today I Washed You Away”, and said: “It’s not fair you had such a short life.”
Jonathan Palmer, Wilson’s one-time mentor and a former F1 driver, delivered an eulogy on the Briton, saying: “Justin died doing something he loved. He wasn’t in denial about the risk.”
At the funeral near Silverstone of IndyCar driver Justin Wilson - who was killed in a race accident last month pic.twitter.com/zOm1sKu9sF
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) September 10, 2015
Today is a tough day, a day of remembrance of our friend and competitor JW as he’s laid to rest. Love ya man, may you always Rest in Peace.
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) September 10, 2015
As ever and particularly today, keeping Justin, @stef_wilson and entire Wilson family in my thoughts and prayers. Donate if you can to fund.
— Tony DiZinno (@tonydizinno) September 10, 2015
Thinking about Justin today. Thoughts with the Wilson family.
— James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) September 10, 2015
Our thoughts today are with the family & friends of Justin Wilson, as they say goodbye to a magnificent racer & man. pic.twitter.com/tuGcZzoF0Q
— Manor Racing (@ManorRacing) September 10, 2015
Champion. Father. Husband. Brother. Son. Racer. Friend. @justin_wilson 💕 #RIPJustinWilson pic.twitter.com/wcgOZzSlw5
— Peter Leung (@BaronVonClutch) September 10, 2015
My thoughts today will be with @justin_wilson, his family and extended family in motorsport.You can still help here http://t.co/5etgsIXtO8
— Jason Swales (@Jason_A_Swales) September 10, 2015