Former NASCAR star Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two young children were among seven people killed on Thursday after a small private aircraft crashed in Statesville, North Carolina, sending shockwaves through the motorsports community and beyond.
Authorities identified the victims as Greg Biffle, 55; his wife Cristina; their daughter Emma, 14; and their son Ryder, 5. Also killed in the crash were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, all believed to be close friends or associates of the Biffle family.
According to flight records and preliminary reports, the aircraft involved was a Cessna C550 registered to a company operated by Biffle. The jet departed from Statesville Regional Airport, located approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte, shortly after 10:00 a.m. local time. However, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft attempted to return to the airport before crashing during the landing approach.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that the aircraft struck the ground and erupted into a large fire on impact. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but there were no survivors. Officials said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it is not yet clear why the aircraft was attempting to return to the airport amid drizzle and overcast weather conditions.
Authorities have also not confirmed whether Biffle himself was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. Federal Aviation Administration records show that the former racing champion was licensed to fly helicopters as well as single- and multi-engine airplanes, and flying was known to be one of his greatest passions.
In a joint statement released on behalf of the grieving families, relatives described the loss as devastating and beyond comprehension.
“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the statement read. “Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives revolved around their children. Emma was a kind soul who was loved deeply by many, while Ryder was an energetic, curious, and endlessly joyful child. Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.”
Greg Biffle was one of the most accomplished drivers of his generation and was named among NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers of all time. Over an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, he competed at the highest level of American stock car racing and became the first driver in history to win championships in both the NASCAR Truck Series and the Xfinity Series, securing titles in 2000 and 2002 respectively.
Biffle spent the majority of his career driving for Roush Fenway Racing, now known as RFK Racing, a team headquartered roughly 40 miles south of the crash site. His contributions to the organisation were widely acknowledged following news of his death.
“I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program,” team co-owner Jack Roush wrote on social media. “Greg’s impact on our team and the sport will never be forgotten. His contributions over the years were immeasurable.”
Tributes poured in from across the motorsports world, with NASCAR issuing an emotional statement describing Biffle as more than just a champion driver.
“Greg was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” the statement said. “Beyond his racing success, he dedicated countless hours to helping others, especially during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless efforts saved lives.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also paid tribute, praising Biffle’s courage and compassion, particularly his hands-on involvement in disaster relief efforts. Biffle became widely known in 2024 for personally flying rescue and supply missions to communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, an effort that earned him the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award for humanitarian service.
“I had no idea how devastating the storm truly was,” Biffle said at the time. “What started as rescuing one family turned into thousands of messages. It just kept growing.”
Craig Wadsworth, one of the victims, was described by friends as a close companion of Biffle who often assisted him with various tasks, including delivering relief supplies during the hurricane response. His roommate, Benito Howell, said Wadsworth was deeply involved in helping communities alongside Biffle.
Born in Vancouver, Washington, Biffle made over 800 starts across NASCAR’s three national series, recording 54 career victories, including 19 wins in the Cup Series. His most successful Cup season came in 2005, when he finished second in the championship standings behind Tony Stewart.
Biffle made his Cup Series debut in 2002, transitioned into semi-retirement in 2016, and returned briefly in 2022 to compete in five races, including the Daytona 500. Even after stepping away from full-time racing, he remained actively involved in humanitarian and aviation pursuits.
Retired NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon also paid tribute, recalling their fierce on-track battles and Biffle’s generosity off the track.
“I had tremendous respect for Greg as a driver,” Gordon wrote. “Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.”
Less than a week before the tragic crash, Biffle shared a video on social media showing his family selecting a Christmas tree, a moment that has since become a heartbreaking reminder of the life cut short.
“It’s been a successful day,” he said in the video. “Now it’s time to get the decorations out.”
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board expected to release further findings in the coming days.
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