France family member dies in crash

Kennedy, a plastic surgeon, was piloting a twin-engine Cessna 310 aircraft, owned by the France family air fleet company. The plane was flying from Daytona International Airport to Lakeland, Florida, when the pilot declared smoke in the cockpit.

An emergency landing at the Orlando Sanford International Airport was being attempted, when the plane crashed in a neighborhood near the airport, causing an intense fire in two houses.

"This morning, at approximately 8:40 a.m. Eastern Time, a Cessna 310 registered to Competitor Liaison Bureau, Inc. of Daytona Beach, crashed in a Sanford, Florida, area neighbourhood," a statement from NASCAR said.

"At this time, we can confirm there were two people on-board, including the pilot, Dr. Bruce Kennedy and Michael Klemm, a senior captain with NASCAR Aviation. Both were killed in the crash.

"Dr. Kennedy was the husband of NASCAR Board Member and ISC President Lesa France Kennedy.

"It is clear that numerous families were affected by this terrible tragedy and unfortunately several people were deceased or seriously injured.

"Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of those who were involved in this tragic accident and their families. We will provide additional information as it becomes available."

Kennedy had received his pilot certification on May 24th.

His death comes just five weeks after Bill France Jr, father of Lesa France Kennedy, died from a long-term illness at his home in Daytona Beach.