NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. says his family is "truly blessed" that nobody was seriously injured when his plane crash-landed last week in Tennessee.
The retired NASCAR driver, now a television analyst, issued a statement Monday on social media praising the the plane's pilots, first responders and hospital staff:
"Amy and I want to thank everyone who has lifted us up with phone calls, messages and prayer since last Thursday," he said. "We are truly blessed that all on board escaped with no serious injuries, including our daughter, our two pilots and our dog Gus."
He continued, "With respect to the investigation, we will not be speculating or discussing the cause of the accident. I am thankful for the quick response of my pilots, local law enforcement, emergency personnel and hospital staff."
"Lastly Amy and I continue to be very appreciative of the privacy extended to us to process everything. It has been important to do that together and on our own time,” he concluded.
Investigators say the plane carrying Earnhardt and his family bounced multiple times during a crash-landing Thursday in Elizabethton and veered off the runway before ending up on a highway. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause.
Earnhardt was with wife Amy, 15-month-old daughter Isla, two pilots and the family dog. He was to have been part of NBC's broadcast team for Saturday night's Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Earnhardt says he and his wife appreciate the privacy extended to them as they process what happened.