Formula One driver Maria de Villota was found dead in a Sevilla hotel room three days before the release of her book "Life is a Gift."
Spanish police said her body was discovered in Hotel Sevill Congresos and that she died of "natural causes," according to the Daily Mail.
An autopsy has been scheduled for this weekend.
The driver, who lost her eye during a crash 15 months ago, was due to speak at a conference today, Oct. 11, in Seville. Her book is scheduled to be released on Oct. 14.
Her family released a press statement shortly after learning about Villota's death.
"Dear friends, Maria has left us. She has had to go to heaven like all angels. We are thankful to God for the extra year and a half she gave us," said the statement, according to the Daily Mail.
Sources close to the case claim that she died of a heart attack, possibly relating to the injuries she suffered during her horrific crash in 2012.
No suspicious substances were found in her room and there have been no signs pointing to a violent death as well, according to police.
Alfonso Jimenez, Director of Spain's Young Sport Foundation, said that Villota sent him an email at around 12:00 a.m., just seven hours before she was found dead, asking him to come to the launch of her book.
Click here to see photos of her parents arriving to the hotel.
"I read the email, went to bed and woke up this morning to discover she was dead. I'm in total shock," said Jimenez in a statement. "There was no one with more desire for life than Maria de Villota."
Fans and other racers have started paying tribute to the popular driver already as well.
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