Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Funeral services for Dan Wheldon, who was killed in the Oct. 16 season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, will be held Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The service will take place at 10 a.m. ET First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, 701 Beach Drive NE.

Wheldon’s wife, Susie, released her first statement since the fiery crash on lap 11 of the IndyCar World Championships:

“Although the last few days have been unbearable for our family, the overwhelming love and support we have received are rays of sunshine during these dark days. The outpouring of sympathy and condolences has been so comforting, and I want to thank everyone for their kind notes, letters, gifts and flowers.

“Dan touched the lives of many people, and I would like to invite those citizens in our community who knew and loved my husband to attend his funeral service.

“Though we won’t be able to fit everyone inside, I know that Dan would have wanted the community to share in the celebration of his life and to grieve his passing. Thank you again. I am forever grateful for your kindness.”

IndyCar said the public can send contributions to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund, which would benefit Wheldon’s family, to: Fifth Third Private Bank, Attn: Dan Wheldon Family Trust, 251 North Illinois St., Suite 1000, Indianapolis, Ind., 46204.

All of Fifth Third Bank’s Indianapolis branches also are accepting contributions in person, which will be routed to the account.

Those wishing to send their sympathy and condolences to the Wheldon family, can address letters to: The Wheldons, 600 Koger Blvd N, Suite 105, St. Petersburg, Fla., 33702.

IndyCar also has a public memorial service planned for Sunday at 4 p.m. ET at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Doors open to the public at 2:30 p.m. The service will be televised live on Versus.

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WRITTEN BY USA TODAY & FULL STORY HERE