President Donald Trump took time at a speech in North Carolina on Friday to pay tribute to former NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family, after their tragic deaths this week.
Biffle, his wife Cristina, and children Ryder and Emma, were among seven people on his plane when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning.
All seven people on board the plane perished, with Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack, the others to be killed.
The NASCAR world has been in mourning since it was confirmed that Biffle and his family were on board the plane, with a remarkable outpouring of love for the ex-racer and humanitarian.
Trump: Biffle was a great young man
Officials have yet to ascertain who was flying the plane at the time, with three of the occupants holding their pilot's licenses, including Biffle.
A preliminary report on the tragedy is expected to come in mid-January, with a final report likely to take at least a year.
Speaking Friday, Trump said of the 55-year-old: "I also want to express my condolences to the people of this state. And to the loved ones of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who perished yesterday in a tragic plane crash with his family in Statesville.
"I met him twice. He was just a great young man and, what a tragedy that is with his whole family. So, I just want to pay our condolences, our love. I'll tell you, North Carolina, we’ll never forget them. He and his family were incredible people."
NASCAR TODAY: Greg Biffle death sparks emotional outpouring among sport's community
