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Statesville, NC – A profound sense of grief has enveloped the motorsports community following the confirmation of the deaths of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their son Ryder, and his daughter Emma in a catastrophic plane crash Thursday morning. The incident occurred at Statesville Regional Airport, located north of Charlotte, North Carolina, claiming the lives of all seven individuals aboard the aircraft.
First Sergeant Chris Knox of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, who was among the first responders, described the scene as one of the most devastating he had ever witnessed. "We can tell you at this point that seven confirmed occupants on the aircraft are deceased," Knox stated during an initial press briefing. While initially confirming Mr. Greg Biffle as one of the deceased, he later elaborated that the victims "include Mr. Greg Biffle and his immediate family," a confirmation that was swiftly followed by official statements from the grieving families.
The somber news was first shared publicly by Garrett Mitchell, widely known in online circles as the YouTuber “Cleetus McFarland.” Mitchell, a close friend of Biffle’s, took to social media to express his devastation. "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. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this,” Mitchell posted. Biffle and Mitchell had cultivated a strong friendship over the past five years, their bond forged through shared interests in natural disaster relief efforts and Mitchell’s burgeoning aspirations in motorsports, which included sporadic ARCA Menards Series starts.
A joint statement released by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families offered a poignant testament to the depth of the loss. "We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. 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 mourned the loss of Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, described as "deeply loved," and Craig Wadsworth, who was "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 impact of the crash. "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 statement read. It further highlighted Biffle’s legacy, noting, "Greg was more than a champion driver, he was 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." The statement also recalled Biffle’s significant contributions beyond the racetrack, particularly his extensive relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, where his tireless work in a helicopter "saved lives."
Greg Biffle, a celebrated figure in NASCAR, spent his entire full-time Cup Series career with Roush Racing, now known as RFK Racing. The team also released a statement expressing their sorrow and paying tribute to their former driver. Biffle’s racing achievements are extensive. He secured championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (formerly Busch Series) in 2002 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2000. He was further recognized in 2023 as one of the sport’s 75 greatest drivers, amassing 19 wins in the Cup Series between 2002 and sporadic appearances in the current decade.
The ill-fated flight departed Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:06 a.m. local time. Flight tracking data indicated the Cessna C550, registered under Biffle’s GB Aviation Leasing, LLC, reached an altitude of 4,300 feet by 10:08 a.m. However, by 10:08 a.m., approximately one mile from its departure point, the aircraft began a descent. Data shows the plane made a turnaround attempt to return to Statesville Regional Airport, with the final recorded data point at 10:15 a.m. placing it less than half a mile from the runway, at an altitude of about 800 feet and traveling at approximately 95 knots (109 mph). The aircraft subsequently crashed at the east end of the runway.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office was the initial agency overseeing the incident. They were later joined by representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the North Carolina State Patrol as the investigation commenced. Airport manager John Ferguson provided a brief update shortly after noon, stating, "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. By time I came out, it was fully engulfed. We’ve had multiple agencies that have come. The FAA arrived at about 12 o’clock today. They are taking over the scene and 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.”
Preliminary reports from AccuWeather, citing meteorological data, suggest adverse weather conditions may have been a factor. Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations, stated, "Adverse weather conditions were reported in the vicinity of Statesville Regional Airport around the time of the plane crash. 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. Weather conditions are often a critical factor that investigators carefully review after a plane crash. It may take months to a year or longer for investigators to determine if the weather conditions contributed to the crash.”
In recent years, Greg Biffle had dedicated significant time and resources to philanthropic endeavors, notably through his Greg Biffle Foundation, which champions animal welfare. His commitment to humanitarian aid was further underscored by his extensive involvement in disaster relief. As a licensed pilot, Biffle utilized his helicopter to deliver critical supplies to communities in Western North Carolina affected by the devastating Hurricane Helene in 2024, demonstrating a profound dedication to service beyond his celebrated racing career. The loss of Greg Biffle and his family leaves an indelible mark on the NASCAR world and beyond, with tributes pouring in from across the sports landscape and from those whose lives he touched through his advocacy and generosity. The investigation into the precise cause of the crash is ongoing.
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