NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Wife Involved in Plane Crash, Injuries Sustained
Retired NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. was taken to the hospital following a plane crash Thursday after landing in Tennessee, though thankfully, he does not appear to have sustained any serious injuries.
“Carter County Sheriff Dexter Lunceford said Earnhardt Jr., his wife, Amy, and their child were on board, along with a pilot, one other person and a family dog,” WCVB reported.
Everyone who was aboard the plane survived, according to Elizabethton Fire Chief Barry Carrier.
Earnhardt’s sister, Kelley, confirmed the news in a statement posted to Twitter.
“I can confirm Dale, Amy & Isla along with his two pilots were involved in a crash in Bristol TN this afternoon,” she wrote.
“Everyone is safe and has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. We have no further information at this time. Thank you for your understanding.”
I can confirm Dale, Amy & Isla along with his two pilots were involved in a crash in Bristol TN this afternoon. Everyone is safe and has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. We have no further information at this time. Thank you for your understanding.
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) August 15, 2019
MORE: Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his family escape plane crash in Tennessee without serious injuries, sheriff says. https://t.co/2nqljR6C5C pic.twitter.com/XzNBbyXlzZ
— ABC News (@ABC) August 15, 2019
“Earnhardt Jr. was taken to Johnson City Medical Center,” WCVB reported. “The sheriff says the racing star was conscious and talking.”
The outlet added: “Everyone left the scene with cuts and abrasions, Lunceford said.”
Video posted to social media showed smoke rising from the site of the crash.
NEW: Video shows thick, black smoke rising from the site of a small plane crash that was carrying Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and his family. Everyone on board, including Earnhardt, escaped the wreck, said the local sheriff. https://t.co/2nqljR6C5C pic.twitter.com/noizctpZVk
— ABC News (@ABC) August 15, 2019
Another video, this one posted by WCYB, showed exclusive footage of Earnhardt being treated at the scene of the crash.
Citing the Federal Aviation Administration, TMZ reported that “the airplane rolled off the end of the runway at 12:40 PM PT.”
“We’re told an investigation is currently underway and the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to determine a cause of the crash,” TMZ added.
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