NASCAR Community Mourns Tragic Loss of Greg Biffle and Family in Aviation Disaster

The motorsports world is in profound shock and grief following the devastating news of a plane crash that claimed the lives of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their son Ryder, his daughter Emma, and three other individuals. The incident occurred on Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport, located north of Charlotte, North Carolina.

First Sergeant Chris Knox of the North Carolina Highway Patrol was among the first officials to confirm the tragic fatalities. He described the scene as "one of the worst crashes" he had personally witnessed. "We can tell you at this point that seven confirmed occupants on the aircraft are deceased," Sergeant Knox stated. He later clarified that the victims "include Mr. Greg Biffle and his immediate family," a somber confirmation that reverberated throughout the racing community.

The news was initially broken to the public by Garrett Mitchell, widely known online as YouTuber "Cleetus McFarland." Mitchell, a close friend of Biffle and an aspiring NASCAR driver, shared his devastation on social media platforms. "Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us," Mitchell posted. "We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this." Biffle and Mitchell had cultivated a strong friendship over the past five years, notably bonding over shared efforts in natural disaster relief and Mitchell’s pursuit of a NASCAR career, which included sporadic starts in ARCA competition at iconic tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Bristol.

A joint statement released by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families articulated the depth of their sorrow. "We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones," the statement read. "This tragedy has left all our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child." The statement also paid tribute to Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, who were among the deceased, describing them as "deeply loved." Craig Wadsworth was also remembered as being "beloved by many in the NASCAR community." The families emphasized the immeasurable void left by their absence and requested privacy, compassion, and understanding as they navigate their grief.

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NASCAR itself issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging the profound loss. "NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash," the organization declared. The statement lauded Biffle not just as a champion driver but as a "beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many." His "passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport." NASCAR highlighted Biffle’s championship achievements, including titles in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, alongside numerous victories in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing prowess, his philanthropic endeavors were also recognized, particularly his "tireless work" assisting North Carolina citizens during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, efforts that "saved lives." NASCAR extended its "deepest condolences" to Biffle’s extended family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.

Greg Biffle spent his entire full-time NASCAR career as a stalwart of Roush Racing, now known as RFK Racing. The team also released a statement expressing their profound sadness and mourning the loss of their former driver and his family.

The ill-fated flight departed Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:06 a.m. local time. Flight tracking data indicated the Cessna C550, identified by tail number N257BW and owned by Biffle’s GB Aviation Leasing, LLC, reached an altitude of 4,300 feet by 10:08 a.m. However, the aircraft began to descend approximately one mile from its point of departure. At a distance of eleven miles from the airport, the plane initiated a turn, seemingly attempting to return to Statesville Regional. The final recorded data point at 10:15 a.m. showed the aircraft less than half a mile from the airport, aligned with the runway, and at an altitude of approximately 800 feet, traveling at 95 knots (109 mph). The crash occurred at the eastern end of the runway.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office was initially responsible for overseeing the incident scene. They were later joined by investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the North Carolina State Patrol. At a brief press conference held shortly after noon, airport manager John Ferguson provided limited details. "Like we said, at approximately 10:15 a.m., we got a report of a jet that crashed off the end of the runway on the east end," Ferguson stated. "By time I came out, it was fully engulfed." He confirmed that multiple agencies responded and that the FAA was taking over the investigation. "We have no information on the cause. The airport is closed until further notice. It will take time to get the debris off the runway," he added.

Dan DePodwin, Vice President of Forecasting Operations at AccuWeather, provided insights into the weather conditions prevalent at the time of the crash. "Adverse weather conditions were reported in the vicinity of Statesville Regional Airport around the time of the plane crash," DePodwin noted. "Heavy drizzle and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet were reported at 10:15 a.m. The cloud ceiling had reportedly lowered to around 400 feet, with heavy rain reducing visibility to less than 2 miles at 10:30 a.m." DePodwin cautioned that while weather is a critical factor, it can take months or even over a year for investigators to definitively determine its role in a crash.

Greg Biffle’s illustrious career in NASCAR spanned decades, establishing him as one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers. He secured the NASCAR Busch Series (now Xfinity Series) championship in 2002 and the Craftsman Truck Series championship in 2000. His prowess in the premier NASCAR Cup Series was marked by 19 victories between 2002 and his sporadic starts in the current decade. In recognition of his significant contributions, Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

In recent years, Biffle had channeled his energy and resources into philanthropic endeavors. He was a passionate advocate for animal welfare through his Greg Biffle Foundation. Furthermore, his commitment to community service was powerfully demonstrated during his extensive relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024. As a licensed pilot, Biffle utilized his helicopter to deliver essential supplies to residents in Western North Carolina impacted by the devastating storm, showcasing a selfless dedication to aiding those in need.

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