2 Pilots Killed in Reno Air Racing Event: 'Completely Devastated and Heartbroken'

Chris Rushing and Nick Macy were California-based pilots who flew World War II-era planes

Two pilots died at an air racing show in Reno, Nevada, after their planes collided on Sunday.

California residents Nick Macy and Chris Rushing were killed during the final day of the National Championship Air Races, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) said in a statement posted to social media.

The planes collided upon landing after the T-6 Gold Race. The National Transportation Safety Board told CBS News that the wreckage of the planes landed about a half mile from each other.

No other casualties were reported.

Related: Daughter of 2-Time Super Bowl Winner Bruce Collie Killed in Plane Crash During Wisconsin Air Show

Formally known as the North American Aviation T-6 Texan, the planes were used to train pilots in the Air Force during World War II. Both men were "expertly skilled pilots," according to RARA, with Macy piloting a plane called the Six-Cat and Rushing flying a plane named Baron’s Revenge.

"I am completely devastated and heartbroken today," RARA chairman Fred Telling said in the statement. "These two pilots weren’t just an integral part of the National Championship Air Race family, they were a part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all of the spectators and fans who have so enthusiastically supported us this week."

Rushing, who was from Van Nuys, California, was president of the Condor Squadron and a former California National Guard airplane mechanic, according to ABC affiliate KABC-TV.

The pilot spoke to the station in July about the pride he took in his role as an aviation ambassador.

"To be able to fly, represent the Condor Squadron, these military airplanes, on a day like today in front of millions of people, it’s a real honor," he said about his participation in the annual July 4th event.

Macy was based in Tulelake, a California town in Siskiyou County, just south of the Oregon border, per KABC.

Related: Fighter Jet Crashes During Thunder Under Michigan Air Show, Forcing Pilots to Eject

"Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year-round to host the safest event possible," RARA said in its statement.

"As we always do, we are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators and volunteers have the necessary support during this time," the organization added.

Related: Mom of 4 Kids Who Went 40 Days in the Amazon After Plane Crash Initially Survived, Oldest Child Says

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Following the crash, the RARA canceled the remainder of the races.

Sunday's fatal crash happened nearly a year to the day that another pilot was killed in a crash during the same race. Organizers also scrapped the remainder of the day's events after that crash.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.