RACING legend Gil de Ferran has died at the age of 56, said multiple colleagues.
The 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner died on Friday while racing with his son, Luke, at The Concourse Club in Opa-Locka, Florida.
The two were on a private course at the club when de Ferran pulled over and said he wasn’t feeling well.
Fellow driver Tony Kanaan said de Ferran suffered a heart attack and couldn’t be revived.
“We are terribly saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Gil de Ferran,” said Roger Penske, the owner of Team Penske and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Angela, Anna, Luke, and the entire de Ferran family.”
“Gil defined class as a driver and a gentleman. As an IndyCar Champion and an Indianapolis 500 winner, Gil accomplished so much during his career.
“He was beloved by so many and he was a great friend to the Team Penske family and to the entire international motorsports community. It’s a tragic loss and he will be deeply missed.”
Kanaan told The Associated Press that he was “devastated” over de Ferran death.
“He was one of my best friends and we grew up together and lately and we worked together at McLaren,” he told the outlet.
“In the beginning of this year, he was a mentor, helping me out. I lost a dear friend. I am devastated. I have to say, he went in Gil style, driving a racecar. If I could choose a way to go, that’s what I could do.”
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