Karl-Heinz Schumacher is the favorite uncle of the F1 racer. He died from bowel cancer at the age of 65. News of the death was announced by his wife Margaret, 64, through Facebook. The news which has reached the suffering Schumacher family in Switzerland left them distressed.

He is the champion racer's closest relative and in one way or another Michael Schumacher will be greatly affected. A friend of the older Schumacher told the German newspaper BUNTE that his death has caused extreme sadness to Michael's family. The pal of the deceased relative said that the family's sufferings do not end according to Daily Star.

Corinna Schumacher and her children were greatly affected when the head of the family met a skiing accident during their family holiday in the French ski resort of Meribel. Schumacher suffered severe head injuries. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was placed in a medically-induced coma for six months.

After he awoke from the coma, he was transferred to his home in Switzerland. His wife had prepared a hospital-like room complete with equipment and hired a 15-man medical staff to monitor his condition 24/7. The family is spending £115,000 ($144,000) per week on treatment - a hefty continuous deduction from his £520m ($650m) fortune as per Express.

The 48-year-old former racer, who was called "the man who walked on water," has been fighting for his life since 2013. His recovery is painfully slow but three years after, he miraculously survived. Updates on his health are scarce as his family decided to keep everything private. Bits of information have been shared by his manager Sabine Kehm and his Ferrari boss Luca de Montezemolo. They informed that Schumacher is slowly recovering and responding to treatment.

The death of one of their relatives, especially that he is Michael Schumacher's favorite uncle, has added to the agonies that the family has been experiencing. But they remain strong and resilient. The years of fighting with the F1 star have made them stronger as a family.