McRae, 39, his son Johnny, the five-year-old’s friend Ben Porcelli and family friend Graeme Duncan, 37, are expected to be formally identified in the next few days.
The helicopter came down on Saturday near McRae’s home in Jerviswood, Lanarkshire.
The Rev Bryan Kerr is minister of Lanark Greyfriars Church and a neighbour of the McRae family. He was quoted by the BBC as saying, “A lot of people have been stunned by this and our thoughts go out to all of the families affected.
"This will be hugely devastating, particularly in such a small community. You just don't expect these things to happen on your doorstep especially when it is someone who is so well known and well liked in the town,” he said of McRae, who was born in Lanark.
"The town's ministers have spoken to each other and special prayers will be offered for all those affected by the tragedy and remembering those who are working on the rescue efforts and trying to piece together what happened."
McRae was married to Alison and had two young children. He was the son of five times British rallying champion Jimmy McRae and was the first British world champion in 1995.
He won the Manufacturers’ title in 1995, 1996 and 1997 driving for Subaru and then for Citroen in 2003. His outstanding skill as a rally racing driver was also acknowledged in 1996 when he was appointed MBE by the Queen.
McRae later solidified his position as a household name when the Colin McRae Rally racing video game series was released by Codemasters to phenomenal success.
