NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, wife and children among seven killed in North Carolina plane crash

Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children were among seven people killed when a private jet crashed on the runway at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina Thursday morning, authorities said. The victims also included Dennis and Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth. Federal officials said the crash remains under investigation, with both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board mobilizing to determine the cause. The crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time as the jet prepared for a landing on a routine trip, and officials described difficult weather conditions at the time.

The aircraft involved, a 1981 Cessna Citation owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, was en route to Florida when it went down on approach to the Sarasota area, according to early accounts. Investigators described an 1,800-foot trail of wreckage that stretched from the runway area through surrounding infrastructure, followed by a post-impact fire that consumed much of the fuselage. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered, offering investigators a potential window into the final moments of flight. Officials said the flight lasted roughly 10 minutes from departure to the crash.

NASCAR issued a sombre statement expressing devastation over the loss of Biffle and his family, praising him as more than a champion driver and a beloved member of the NASCAR community. The organization highlighted his integrity and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors, noting that his impact extended beyond the track through humanitarian and charitable efforts. The tragedy prompted a wave of tributes from fellow drivers, executives and fans who recalled Biffle’s on-track accomplishments as well as his generosity toward others.

Biffle, 55, was a standout in NASCAR who won championships in two major national series, becoming one of only a handful of drivers to claim titles in both the Busch/Xfinity Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. He began competing at a professional level in the mid-1990s and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. In addition to racing, Biffle was known for humanitarian work that resonated within the North Carolina community. In 2024, he used a private helicopter to assist in hurricane relief after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, dropping off supplies and rescuing stranded residents. In recent years, he also hosted social-media giveaways during the holidays, distributing cash and prizes to fans, which NASCAR described as a reflection of his on- and off-track generosity.

The investigation has also drawn attention to the crew on board. Reports indicate three pilots were on the flight, including Biffle, raising questions about crew qualification for the jet in question. The aircraft reportedly departed from Statesville, circled back for landing, and then crashed on final approach. Weather conditions at the time were described as poor, with light rain and a low cloud ceiling complicating the descent. Both the FAA and NTSB are examining aircraft logs, maintenance records, and flight data as part of the inquiry, and investigators emphasized they would not speculate about a cause until a thorough on-scene analysis is complete.

The crash has intersected with a long public narrative about Biffle’s personal life. Publicly accessible reporting from outlets including Daily Mail and HuffPost has chronicled a high-profile divorce from Nicole Lunders in the 2010s, along with subsequent legal disputes and privacy-related litigation. The notes indicate Biffle later remarried Cristina Grossu in 2023, and that the blended family included Emma and Ryder. While some coverage focused on sensational aspects of those disputes, others highlighted Biffle’s philanthropic work and his commitment to his family and community. Family statements released after the crash described the victims as devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives centered on their children and their broader impact on others.

As investigators collect evidence from the wreckage and gather testimony from witnesses, the NASCAR community and fans across the country mourn the loss of a driver who mixed speed with service. Officials urged privacy for the families as they grieve, while NASCAR and the broader racing world remember Biffle for his competitive drive, his leadership, and his humanitarian spirit. The NTSB and FAA investigations are expected to continue for weeks to months, with investigators reviewing flight data and the complex history of the jet and its operators to determine what happened on that final approach.

In addition to his racing legacy, Biffle’s life included public, high-profile moments that drew national attention. Reports recount a contentious divorce and subsequent custody discussions, along with civil suits that touched on privacy and personal disputes. While those narratives reflect a complicated chapter in his life, colleagues and friends emphasized that his legacy in racing and in service to others remained central to how he was remembered in the sport.

The days ahead will be focused on the ongoing NTSB and FAA investigations, and on honoring the lives of Greg Biffle, Cristina Biffle, Emma, Ryder, and their fellow passengers. Officials said the families have requested privacy as they process the loss, and the NASCAR community has pledged to support them in any way possible as the investigation unfolds and memorials are planned.

The crash’s ripple effects extend beyond the immediate tragedy. NASCAR and racing fans are reflecting on Biffle’s career, his commitment to community relief efforts in western North Carolina after Helene, and the ongoing work of the teams and volunteers who joined him in humanitarian pursuits. Authorities have stressed that the investigations will be rigorous and comprehensive, focusing on aircraft performance, human factors, and environmental conditions to determine the causes behind the fatal accident.

Beyond the technical questions, the human element remains central. The joint statements from families of the victims described them as devoted parents and philanthropists whose lives were centered on helping others and building a sense of community. As the NASCAR world mourns, the broader sports community shares in the sense of loss for a figure who connected competition with compassion and public service. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have vowed to provide updates as new information becomes available.

The tragedy marked a sobering moment for a sport accustomed to risk on the track, but not on the tarmac. As investigators methodically review the evidence and timeline, the NASCAR community—along with fans and the families of those who perished—awaits a clearer picture of what led to the crash and how such disasters can be prevented in the future.