Seven people lost their lives on Thursday when a Cessna 550 business jet crashed in Statesville, North Carolina, according to NASCAR. Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was among those believed to be killed. The aircraft went down at Statesville Regional Airport. The North Carolina Highway Patrol said Biffle and several immediate family members are thought to be among the victims, but official identification is pending due to an intense fire following the crash. The jet was registered to a company linked to Biffle.

Authorities said the medical examiner’s office will release the confirmed identities of the seven occupants once the process is complete. Flight tracking data indicated the plane was heading to Florida but attempted to return to the airport shortly after takeoff amid severe weather at around 10:15 a.m. Local media images showed heavy flames on the runway surrounded by wreckage.

The National Transportation Safety Board is deploying an investigation team and is expected to brief the media on Friday. Biffle, 55, recorded 19 Cup Series victories over a two-decade career. His last NASCAR race was the 2022 Geico 500 at Talladega, and he was honored as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis paid tribute, calling Biffle a major figure in NASCAR both on and off the track. He also highlighted Biffle’s efforts to assist residents after Hurricane Helene by using his personal helicopter for rescue and relief missions. City officials said the airport was shut down following the crash and will remain closed until debris is cleared from the runway.