News October 16, 2011
IndyCar Racer Dan Wheldon Dies in Fiery 15-Car Wreck
Racing vet Dan Wheldon died Sunday after he was involved in a multi-car wreck at the Indy 300 in Las Vegas.
The driver's rep confirmed to "Extra," "We lost him, very, very sad. He was such a great person."
More than a dozen cars crashed in the fiery wreck. Wheldon's car flew over another on the Lap 12 wreck and apparently caught part of the catch fence just outside of Turn 2.
The racing champion was airlifted from the track to a nearby hospital, where a team of doctors reportedly tried to save him.
Danica Patrick, who was also on the track at the Indy 300, released a statement. "Racing lost a wonderful champion today. Dan brought so much excitement and personality to the sport and its fans. He was a great driver and I feel privileged to have raced with him. I pray not only for him, but for his wife Suzi, their two boys Sebastian and Oliver, and the rest of his family."
Wheldon, who recently won the Indy 500 for the second time, was in line to win $5 million if he captured the checkered flag at Sunday's race.
"Extra's" Terri Seymour spoke with Wheldon just last week at The Grove, congratulating him on winning the Indy 500 and talked about how Justin Timberlake tweeted his support of Wheldon, which the driver said, "Nice to get the support."
Watch Part I of our interviews.
Wheldon said it was a big year. His mother was diagnosed with Alzeheimer's, so it was nice to share the Indy 500 win with his family.
Watch Part II of our interviews.
The racing star also talked about the Indy 300 race in Las Vegas. "I'll have to start from the rear of the field," he explained. "And I will have to spilt [the prize money] with a fan."
Wheldon is survived by his wife and two children, including his infant son who was born in March.
