Allan Simonsen, Endurance Driver, Dies At 24 Hours Of Le Mans

Allan Simonsen, the Danish driver, died on Saturday at the 24 Hours of Le Mans event in France. He was 34.

Simsonsen, who was driving his Aston Martin No. 95, crashed just 10 minutes into the race. Traveling around the course at high speeds, the vehicle skidded and spun into a barrier located at the Tertre Rouge corner, reported Fox News. A tire flew off the car and the door hung open in the aftermath of the collision.

After the violent accident, Simonsen was rushed to the hospital, where he died soon after arriving. "Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services in attendance, Allan's injuries proved fatal," Aston Martin Racing said in a statement on its website.

"I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the individuals, and families whose friends or loved ones were involved in today's terrible tragedy," added Aston Martin Racing managing director John Gaw.

At the request of Simonsen’s family, Aston Martin continued to race in the Le Mans. The endurance race, which Simonsen was participating in for the seventh time, is won by the team of three alternating drivers that finishes the most laps within 24 hours. Audi’s Tom Kristensen, the eventual winner of the Le Mans, dedicated the race to the late Simonsen.

Simonsen is the first driver to perish at the Le Mans since 1997, when Sebastien Enjolras died in the pre-qualifying round. Jo Garner died in a fatal crash in 1986. Back in 1955, Pierre Levegh crashed into the stands, resulting his death and that of 83 spectators.

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