
Dan Wheldon died as a result of head injuries sustained in the accident he suffered on the 11th lap of the IndyCar Series finale at Las Vegas, it has been confirmed.
Clark County Coroner Michael Murphy announced on Monday that autopsy results showed the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner's death was caused by blunt trauma to the head.
Wheldon's car was one of several to become airborne during the 15-car accident and made contact with both the debris fencing and SAFER barrier as it hurtled out of control.
"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," Murphy told The Associated Press.
The IndyCar Series is expected to pay tribute to Wheldon with a public memorial service in the near future in Indianapolis, and a banner has been placed over the entrance gate to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in honour of the 2005 IndyCar Series champion.
GoDaddy.com, the sponsor of the Andretti Autosport team Wheldon had been poised to join for 2012, has created a memorial site in honour of the 33-year-old. The site includes a Facebook link to leave condolences and a photo retrospective of the driver.
Fans have also paid tribute to Wheldon with flowers being left at the entry of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.