Mourners gathered in Bristol to say goodbye to a NASCAR driver who died in a plane crash in North Branford.

According to the Hartford Courant, the funeral for Ted Christopher, 59, was held Tuesday morning at a church in Bristol.

A wake that took place Monday night in his hometown of Plainville was attended by an estimated 3,500 people.

Christopher was a passenger on a plane that crashed in North Branford on Sept. 16. The pilot, Charles Dundas, 81, also died.

Federal officials say the plane had left Plainville's Robertson Airport headed for Long Island, New York.

Stafford Speedway recently announced that Christopher's No. 13 would be retired on Friday.

During his career, Christopher had 131 wins, 109 SK Modified wins, and nine SK Modified track championships.

The Associated Press wire services helped contribute to this report.