Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has died in hospital nine months after crashing at the Japanese Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Marussia driver had been in a coma since October 2014 after suffering a diffuse axonal injury following a collision with a crane on the side of the Suzuka circuit.Bianchi had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Nice, France but his family announced his passing in the early hours of this morning.
A statement read: ‘It is with deep sadness that the parents of Jules Bianchi, Philippe and Christine, his brother Tom and sister Melanie, wish to make it known that Jules passed away last night at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) in Nice, (France) where he was admitted following the accident of 5th October 2014 at Suzuka Circuit during the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix.
‘Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end. The pain we feel is immense and indescribable. We wish to thank the medical staff at Nice’s CHU who looked after him with love and dedication.
Bianchi pictured driving during the Japanese Grand Prix on October 5, when the crash occurred
Bianchi received urgent medical treatment after crashing at the Suzuka Circuit on October 5
Bianchi crashed into a crane by the side of the circuit in wet conditions during the Japanese Grand Prix
May his soul rest in peace … amen!