STATESVILLE, N.C. — Retired NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Biffle, and their two children were among seven people killed Thursday morning when a private business jet crashed near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the motorsports world and beyond.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation business jet, had departed from the airport shortly after 10 a.m. and was en route to Florida when it reportedly experienced trouble in the air. Authorities say the plane attempted to return to the airport but went down during its approach, erupting into flames upon impact. All seven people on board were pronounced dead at the scene.
Among the victims were Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma and his 5-year-old son Ryder. Also killed in the crash were close family friends, including Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. Officials have confirmed that there were no survivors.
Federal investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. While weather conditions at the time included low clouds and light rain, authorities have not yet determined whether weather, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role.
Greg Biffle was one of NASCAR’s most accomplished and respected drivers. A native of Vancouver, Washington, he earned championships in both the Truck Series and the Xfinity Series and went on to win 19 races in NASCAR’s premier Cup Series. Over the course of his career, Biffle amassed more than 50 victories across NASCAR’s national divisions and was later named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.
After stepping away from full-time competition, Biffle remained deeply involved in the racing community and was widely admired for his charitable work. In recent years, he gained attention for personally piloting aircraft to deliver humanitarian aid to disaster-stricken areas, earning praise for using his skills to help others.
In a joint statement, the families of the victims expressed profound grief, describing Greg and Cristina as devoted parents whose lives revolved around their children. The statement emphasized that each person lost was deeply loved and requested privacy as the families mourn an unimaginable loss.
NASCAR officials, fellow drivers, and fans have shared an outpouring of tributes, remembering Biffle not only for his success on the track but also for his generosity, humility, and commitment to helping others. Many described him as a fierce competitor with a kind heart.
As investigators continue to search for answers, the sudden deaths of Greg Biffle, his family, and the other passengers have left a lasting impact on the motorsports community, marking one of the most heartbreaking tragedies in NASCAR history.