Canadian country music star George Canyon says he's devastated by the death of a friend and fellow pilot in a plane crash near Lloydminster on Saturday.

Bill Lovse, 61, has been identified as the pilot of the plane dropped Canyon off in Lloydminster where he was performing that evening.

The aviator then left for High River in southern Alberta but his Cessna crashed shortly after takeoff and slid into a house.

The pilot was killed, but no one else was injured.

Canyon, who lives in High River, learned of the tragedy just before his show, but still went on with the performance which benefited a charity.

He later released a statement saying he was devastated by the loss a dear friend with whom he'd flown many times. He said the two were also hockey buddies.

Transport Canada is investigating the crash.