The autopsy showed "neurological damage" from that wreck likely caused her death, sister Isabel said. She added that her sister died in her sleep about 6 a.m.

De Villota had seemingly recovered from the crash, although she was no longer doing F1 testing. She had written a book about her accident and recently married.

Spanish police said her death was from "natural causes" and there was no indication of foul play. They said De Villota's manager alerted staff at the Hotel Sevilla Congresos after her body was found.

She was in Seville to participate in a conference called "What Really Matters," whose mission organizers said was to teach youngsters "universal human values." The conference was canceled.

 
Top