Bryan Clauson Saved Five Lives Through Organ Donation

Bryan Clauson’s organs have been donated to five patients in need, according to a statement from the late Indy 500 starter’s family.

The late Bryan Clauson was an organ donor, and his organs have been donated to save the lives of five patients, according to a statement from Clauson’s family on the 27-year-old’s Facebook page.

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Clauson passed away over the weekend from injuries suffered in a crash at an ARCA race, and is survived by parents Tim and Di, sister Taylor and fiancee Lauren Stewart. Below is their statement in full:

"We would all like to thank you for all of your prayers and concerns over the last few days. It provided strength and comfort during a very difficult time for us.Nothing prepares you for these moments. We have all watched from afar as other families have had to face their own tragedies or been there to support our family and friends as they have spent their own time in the hospital. However, nothing makes you ready to say goodbye. You take each moment as it comes and we could not have made it to this point with out all of you.One of the gifts that Bryan gave us while we sat next to him praying for some good news, was the moment we found out that he was an organ donor. It shouldn’t have surprised us. All of us have felt Bryan’s generosity throughout his life. The gift of life is the most amazing gesture and Bryan will live on not only through us and all the people he touched along the way, but from the lucky individuals that will benefit from Bryan making a decision to be a donor.It was not lost on our family as we sat huddled around him, holding his hands, comforting him and each other, saying our last goodbye that five families were also sitting in a hospital room somewhere, comforting their loved one and each other while praying for a miracle that Bryan ultimately delivered for them. We are so proud of our Bryan for making this decision.The Nebraska Organ Recovery team made the entire process very comforting. Their compassion, love, and respect when treating Bryan did not go unnoticed. We want to acknowledge every member of the Nebraska Organ Recovery team. Thank you for loving our Bryan.If you are a donor, thank you. If you are not, please consider for a moment becoming one. We have seen first hand how amazing it feels on both sides of the coin. It is the greatest gift that one person can give another. We promise.Again, thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and friendship. We look forward to seeing you at the races."

Clauson was a three-time Indianapolis 500 participant who led his first Indy 500 laps in this May’s 100th running.

He now becomes the second IndyCar driver to have passed away in two years but then also save lives through subsequent organ donation. Justin Wilson’s organs were also donated following Wilson’s passing from injuries he suffered during the 2015 ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway.

Several IndyCar drivers have shared their memories of Clauson, and IndyCar posted a video tribute to Clauson earlier this week:

While it is a tragedy to lose Clauson so young, and when he was in the prime of what was already an exemplary career, fans can take solace in the fact that five other people now have a second chance at life because of him. Even in his passing Clauson, like Wilson, was continuing to be an outstanding member of the motorsports community.

A memorial service for Clauson at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is still being arranged.

In lieu of flowers, fans can send donations to the USAC Benevolent Fund, either online or by mailing a check in the name of Bryan Clauson to USAC Benevolent Foundation, 124 E Northfield Drive, Suite F #129, Brownsburg, IN 46112.