Racing legend and former Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran died after suffering an apparent heart attack while racing with his son at The Concourse Club in Florida.
Multiple former colleagues confirmed the news to the Associated Press.
Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 champion, reportedly pulled over because he wasn’t feeling well and then had a heart attack.
He was 56.
“The world of motorsport was shocked by the news of the sudden death of former Indianapolis 500 champion Gil de Ferran, who has passed away at the age of just 56.
The Brazilian Automobile Confederation (CBA) said de Ferran had suffered a heart attack on Friday while at a private… pic.twitter.com/XidIeAVPsU
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) January 1, 2024
“My heart sank at the news of Gil de Ferran’s death. It’s heart-wrenching. Thinking of him now and savoring every conversation. He will be missed by so many. A wonderful man and a dear and loyal friend,” Mario Andretti wrote.
My heart sank at the news of Gil de Ferran's death. It's heart-wrenching. Thinking of him now and savoring every conversation. He will be missed by so many. A wonderful man and a dear and loyal friend. pic.twitter.com/aPVXjlKwY7
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) December 30, 2023
AP reports:
Fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan said de Ferran was with his son, Luke, at the private course in Opa-Locka, Florida, when he pulled over and said he wasn’t feeling well. Kanaan said de Ferran apparently suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
When de Ferran won the 2003 Indy 500 for Roger Penske, it was the third-consecutive win in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” for Penske, who has now amassed a record 19 victories in the iconic Memorial Day weekend race.
“We are terribly saddened to hear about today’s tragic passing of Gil de Ferran. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Angela, Anna, Luke and the entire de Ferran family,” Roger Penske said in a statement. “Gil defined class as a driver and as a gentleman. As an IndyCar Champion and an Indianapolis 500 winner, Gil accomplished so much during his career, both on and off the track.
241.428 mph. Still a record to this day.
Godspeed, Gil de Ferran. pic.twitter.com/YOsHt6ddVe
— Avery Hage (@AveryHage) December 30, 2023
Racing legend dead after heart attack while racing son…https://t.co/yGRJWvpQTK
— Amy Moreno (@VivaLaAmes11) December 31, 2023
TMZ added:
The Chairman went on … “Gil was beloved by so many. He was a great friend to the Team Penske and IndyCar family, as well as the entire international motorsports community. Gil’s passing is a terrible loss and he will be deeply missed.”
Gil was an accomplished driver who also scored titles in 2000 and 2001.
And there’s this distinction … he holds the closed-course land speed record, clocking in at 241.428 mph.
Gil is survived by his wife, Angela, son Luke and daughter Anna.