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Statesville, NC – A devastating plane crash on Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport has claimed the lives of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their son Ryder, Biffle’s daughter Emma, and three other individuals. The incident, which occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time, has sent shockwaves through the motorsports world and the broader community.
First Sergeant Chris Knox of the North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed the grim details, describing the scene as "one of the worst crashes" he had ever witnessed. "We can tell you at this point that seven confirmed occupants on the aircraft are deceased," Sergeant Knox stated. While initial confirmations were cautious, he later elaborated that the victims "include Mr. Greg Biffle and his immediate family," a fact that was subsequently verified.
The identity of the other passengers was later confirmed through a joint statement released by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families. The statement identified the deceased as Greg Biffle, Cristina Grossu Biffle, their son Ryder, Greg’s daughter Emma (whose mother is Nicole Lunders), Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
Garrett Mitchell, a popular YouTuber known as "Cleetus McFarland," was among the first to publicly share the tragic news on social media. Mitchell, who had developed a close friendship with Biffle over the past five years, revealed that the Biffle family was en route to spend the afternoon with him at the time of the crash. "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 shared a bond over their mutual interest in natural disaster relief efforts and Mitchell’s aspirations in NASCAR, which included sporadic starts in the ARCA Menards Series.
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The Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families collectively issued a heartfelt statement expressing their profound grief. "We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all our families heartbroken beyond words," the statement read. "Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. 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, describing them as "deeply loved," and to 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 during their period of mourning.
NASCAR, the organization Biffle so prominently represented, issued its own statement expressing its sorrow. "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 began. It lauded Biffle not only as a "champion driver" but also as a "beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many." NASCAR highlighted Biffle’s lasting impact on the sport through his "passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors."
The statement further detailed Biffle’s significant achievements on the track, including championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (2002) and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2000). He also secured numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series, solidifying his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats, evidenced by his inclusion in NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list in 2023. Beyond his racing career, NASCAR recognized Biffle’s significant contributions to the community, particularly his extensive efforts in assisting North Carolina citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. His "tireless work saved lives," the statement affirmed.
Biffle spent his entire full-time NASCAR Cup Series career with Roush Racing, now known as RFK Racing. The team also released a statement mourning the loss of their former driver and colleague.
The ill-fated flight originated from Statesville Regional Airport, located approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Flight tracking data indicated the Cessna C550, registered under Biffle’s GB Aviation Leasing, LLC, departed at approximately 10:06 a.m. It reached an altitude of 4,300 feet by 10:08 a.m. before beginning a descent approximately one mile from the departure point. The aircraft initiated a turn back towards the airport but ultimately crashed less than half a mile from the runway at the east end of the airport, near the Lakewood Golf Club, at an altitude of approximately 800 feet.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office was the first agency on the scene. They were later joined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the North Carolina State Patrol, who are now leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. At a brief press conference held shortly after noon, airport manager John Ferguson confirmed the crash occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. and that the aircraft was "fully engulfed" by the time he arrived. Ferguson stated that the FAA was taking over the scene and the investigation, and that the airport would remain closed "until further notice" to facilitate the removal of debris.
Preliminary reports suggest adverse weather conditions may have played a role in the tragedy. Dan DePodwin, Vice President of Forecasting Operations at AccuWeather, reported that heavy drizzle and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet were present around the time of the crash. By 10:30 a.m., the cloud ceiling had reportedly lowered to approximately 400 feet, with heavy rain reducing visibility to less than two miles. Investigators will meticulously examine weather data as part of their comprehensive review, a process that can often take a year or longer to yield definitive conclusions.
Greg Biffle’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable racing career. In recent years, he became a dedicated advocate for animal welfare through his Greg Biffle Foundation. His philanthropic efforts were further underscored by his heroic actions in the wake of Hurricane Helene in 2024, where he utilized his pilot’s license and helicopter to deliver vital supplies to affected communities in Western North Carolina. Biffle’s contributions, both on and off the track, have left an indelible mark on the NASCAR community and beyond. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event is ongoing.
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