Former Formula 1 test driver Maria de Villota has been found dead in a hotel room in Seville.
The 33-year-old was found early on Friday morning, but despite health services attempting to resuscitate her, she was confirmed to have passed away shortly afterwards.
The Spaniard was involved in an horrific crash during her role with Marussia in 2012 where she lost her right eye, while also suffering serious head and facial injuries.
A statement from De Villota's family read: "Maria has left us. She had to go to heaven like all angels, and we are thankful to God for the extra year-and-a-half that he left her with us."
De Villota, the daughter of former Formula 1 driver Emilio de Villota, had been in Seville to launch her book, which was due to be released on Monday.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
