Friends, family, fans remember Wheldon on social media

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - As news of IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon’s death circulated around the world Sunday night and Monday morning, the late driver was remembered on social media.

Monday morning, “RIP Dan Wheldon” and “Indy Car” were trending topics on Twitter in Indianapolis, and Wheldon’s name was trending worldwide.

Wheldon, 33, died Sunday following a fiery 15-car crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Three other drivers were injured.

“Rest in peace Danny boy, we'll miss you my friend. Everyone please keep the wheldon family in you thoughts and prayers,” driver Dario Franchitti tweeted Sunday.

Driver Tony Kanaan sent multiple tweets about the crash, indicating Monday morning he was so shaken by the wreck that he wouldn’t participate in an Australian race.

“No words to describe the pain. See you on the other side my dear friend. You will be missed,” Kanaan said in one tweet .

Kanaan went on to say Sunday was one of the most difficult days of his career.

“Sorry to all my Australian fans but due to the circumstances I’ve decided not to do the Surfers V8 race,” Kanaan tweeted early Monday morning.

Drivers, friends and fans tweeted messages of support to Holly Wheldon, Dan Wheldon’s sister.

“Can’t sleep this day doesn’t feel real.. Finding comfort in all your lovely tweets..Thank you for ur love and support. This doesn’t feel real,” Holly Wheldon tweeted early Monday morning.

Driver Helio Castroneves tweeted several times about Wheldon’s death.

“It’s so hard to speak these days … Dan was a nice guy, my God! A guy like that we feel satisfaction in knowing,” one of Castroneves’ tweets said.

Facebook groups also began to emerge in memory of Wheldon. Thousands of people flocked to the pages to honor the driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.