A Canadian Grand Prix marshal has died after he was airlifted to hospital following an accident at the end of the race whilst he and four other marshals recovered Esteban Gutierrez’s Sauber to the pits.
The marshal tripped whilst trying to collect his radio which he dropped whilst running alongside a recovery vehicle, which didn’t see the 38-year-old and proceeded to run over him. He had been stabilising the Sauber at the time with three other colleagues.
The track’s medical team were almost immediately on the scene and, according to one fan, were seen lifting the marshal onto a spinal board before heading to the medical centre.
Jacques Bouchard, the chief medical officer at the circuit, confirmed the marshal was in a ‘critical condition’ and was immediately airlifted to Sacré Coeur Hospital once he had been stabilised at the on-site medical centre.
He had been conscious in the medical helicopter, but the FIA later confirmed he passed away from the injuries sustained in the incident.
“The worker, a member of the Automobile Club de l’Île Notre Dame, was the victim of an unfortunate accident that occurred at the end of this afternoon’s Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. The worker was helping to recover a car which had stopped during the race. The recovery vehicle had lifted the car to return it to the pits and while doing this the worker dropped his radio and attempted to pick it up. As he did this, he stumbled and was hit and run over by the recovery vehicle,” read a statement.
“The worker was transported via helicopter to Sacre-Coeur Hospital where he was treated by the traumatology department of Dr Ronald Denis, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Dr Jacques Bouchard, Chief Medical Officer of the Grand Prix. Unfortunately, the worker succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
“The FIA, l’Automobile Club de l’Île Notre-Dame and the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada want to communicate their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim. The identity of the worker cannot be revealed at this time.”
McLaren driver Sergio Perez tweeted: “Very sad news about the marshal that got kill[ed] during our race! RIP my thoughts with him and family.”
Lotus team principal Eric Boullier added: “All our thoughts and condolences to the family of the marshall who lost his life during the race. Such devastating news.”
Fernando Alonso wrote: “Today there is nothing to celebrate. Terrible news arrive with the death of a marshal this race. Very sad. R.I.P.”
We would also like to extend our deepest thoughts and condolences to the the marshal’s family and friends at this difficult time.
(Images © Twitter @F1McG)
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