IndyCar driver Wheldon died of head injuries
LAS VEGAS - October 17, 2011
The 33-year-old Wheldon was pronounced dead at 1:54 p.m. Sunday
at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he was flown by
medical helicopter after the crash at the track about 12 miles
away.
After an autopsy, Murphy ruled the death an accident, the result
of blunt trauma to the head due to motor vehicle collision, and
offered condolences to friends and family of the married father of
two from England.
"We'll be working with family and IndyCar officials and the
attending physicians to fully review the case in an effort to
improve safety for drivers," he told The Associated Press.
Three other drivers were injured in the fiery Lap 11 crash, none
seriously.
Pippa Mann, 28, had surgery on a burned right pinkie finger and
was released Monday, as was 23-year-old JR Hildebrand, who had a
bruised sternum. Will Power, 30, was evaluated and released Sunday.
The race was called off after Wheldon's death was announced,
although drivers drove a five-lap salute to their colleague.
