MOORESBURG, Tenn. — Dirt track racing legend Scott Bloomquist died in a small plane crash near his home in Hawkins County on Friday.
Bloomquist, 60, died after his vintage plane crashed into a barn at his family farm in the Mooresburg area, according to Moberly Motorsports Park. Bloomquist was a Hall of Fame Dirt Super Late Model race car driver.
Hawkins County emergency crews said they responded to a plane crash off Highway 31 Friday morning.
According to the Hawkins County Rescue Squad, the crash was on Brooks Road in Mooresburg. The Federal Aviation Administration said a single-engine Piper J3 crashed into a barn around 7:50 a.m. Only Bloomquist was on board.
"Upon arrival, officers found a plane crashed into a barn, with one occupant. Unidentified remains believed to be that of Scott Bloomquist, of Mooresburg, were found in the plane," the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office said.
Crews are asking people to avoid the area and allow emergency teams to respond.
"We ask you keep those involved in your thoughts and prayers," the rescue squad said.
Moberly Motorsports Park confirmed Bloomquist had died in the plane crash.
"His mother Georgette just called me and wanted me to announce that he lost his life this morning," Reid Millard with Moberly Motorsports Park said. "Along with Scott's daughter Ariel his parents his sister and along with all of you who knew and loved Scott - you are in our hearts and prayers of all our Millard Family. God's speed Scott. May you fly high on an Eagle's wing forever. "
Chris Madden, a fellow dirt track racer, was a friend of Bloomquist. Madden's racing organization offered their condolences.
"A valued friend and colleague, Chris had the privilege of working together with Scott for many years, whose legacy will always be remembered. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," Chris Madden Racing said.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash:
"NTSB is coordinating with the FAA to investigate the crash of a Piper J3C-65 at 7:15 am Eastern time near Mooresburg, Tennessee. The preliminary information we have is the plane impacted the side of a barn under unknown circumstances. The NTSB has no role in the release of the identities of accident victims and/or the extent and number of injuries nor does it release the identities of those injured or killed; that’s handled by local authorities."