(RacingWire) - 33-year-old English driver Dan Wheldon died Sunday of injuries received during a horrific crash in the opening laps of the final IZOD IndyCar Series race of the 2011 season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Wheldon, a popular figure in the IndyCar garage and among the fans, was a two time Indianapolis 500 winner (2005 & 2011) and the 2005 IndyCar Series champion.  FULL STORY

Wheldon's death was announced in a statment from IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard, "IndyCar is sad to announce that Dan Wheldon passed away from unsurvivable injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan and his family. IndyCar, its drivers and teams have decided to end the race. We will run a five-lap salute in honor of Dan."

The crash that claimed Wheldon's life was one of the worst multi-car crashes in memory.  15 cars where involved in the wreck during the opening laps of the race.  The crash left a path of carnage that included burning and twisted race cars.

Everyone accept Wheldon walked away from the crash; although three drivers, Will Power, Pippa Mann and J.R. Hildebrand we're all transported to the hospital for observation of non-life threatening injuries.

Wheldon is survived by his wife and two children.

RacingWire would like to extend it's deepest sympathies to Dan Wheldon's family and friends.

We'll have more details as they become available.