All 7 people aboard the business jet, including Biffle’s family, were killed in Thursday's crash.
Tributes are flowing in from the motorsports community and other prominent figures for former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who died in a plane crash that also killed his immediate family.
A business jet crashed in North Carolina on Thursday morning, killing all seven people aboard including Biffle, a retired NASCAR driver, as well as his wife and two children, per official reports.
The Cessna C550 had departed Statesville Regional Airport and was returning to the airport to land when it hit the ground and erupted into a large fire, according to The Associated Press.
After news of the crash and the deaths circulated, tributes started pouring in.
Aboard the plane with Biffle were his wife, Cristina, and children, Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5. The three other people on the plane were Dennis Dutton, his son, Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
The families of the deceased released a joint statement, saying, “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” per the AP.
Who was Greg Biffle?
Biffle, 55, won over 50 races across three NASCAR circuits, including 19 wins at the Cup Series level. In 2000, he won the Truck Series championship, and in 2002, he won the Xfinity Series title.
According to ESPN, he was named by NASCAR as one of the top 75 drivers in its history. Biffle was also a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series. He drove in the sport for 18 years.
NASCAR released a statement about the death of Biffle and his family.
“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.
NASCAR Statement:
— NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) December 18, 2025
“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.
Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a…
It continued: “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.”
Biffle was honored in 2024 for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina. He used his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote parts of the state.
According to the AP, Wadsworth was Biffle’s friend and helped him with odd jobs, as well as delivering aid to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The joint family statement mentioned Dutton and his son Jack, saying they were “deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.”
Biffle’s wife Cristina texted her mother, Cathy Grossu, “We’re in trouble,” moments before the plane crashed, according to People.
Grossu said that the Biffles were at her house the day before they died.
“I don’t remember what the last words that I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder,” Grossu said, per People. “I don’t remember. I know we hugged, but I don’t remember those last words and that’s going to haunt me. But they were happy.”
What we know about the plane crash
The plane was bound for Florida and took off from the Statesville airport just after 10 a.m., according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.
Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. The cause of the crash and the reason for the plane’s return to the airport in cloudy and drizzly conditions are currently unknown.
It is unclear whether Biffle was piloting the plane at the time of the crash but FAA records show he was rated to fly helicopters and single and multiengine planes.
The crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, per the AP.
Built in 1981, the Cessna plane is a popular midsized business jet with a good reputation. It has two engines and can seat six to eight passengers and two pilots.
Tributes pour in for Greg Biffle and others killed in the plane crash
Many people have posted tributes honoring Greg Biffle, both for his achievements in motorsport and for his humanitarian actions. The tributes come from people in the NASCAR community, politicians and those in other racing series.
NASCAR posted a tribute video to Biffle on X, recapping his tremendous career in motorsport.
A winner on and off the race track.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 19, 2025
Greg Biffle leaves a lasting impression on all of us. pic.twitter.com/vk68lgaY3t
Sean Duffy, the U.S. secretary of Transportation, posted about Biffle’s death and his humanitarian work during Hurricane Helene.
“Greg Biffle wasn’t just a NASCAR legend — he was a true patriot who used his platform, wealth, and resources to help people,” Duffy wrote.
Greg Biffle wasn't just a NASCAR legend -- he was a true patriot who used his platform, wealth, and resources to help people.
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) December 18, 2025
When Hurricane Helene devasted communities across Western North Carolina, he jumped into action to save lives and deliver critical supplies. His… https://t.co/OgjpJFAFIC
Jeff Gordon, another former NASCAR driver, posted his own tribute on X to Biffle, whom he raced against many times.
“Devastating news,” Gordon wrote. “I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.”
Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting. pic.twitter.com/TN9vbqjpZ4
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) December 18, 2025
The Carolina Hurricanes NHL team also posted on X about the death of Biffle.
“Sending our condolences to those who knew and loved Greg Biffle, his family, and all those aboard today’s flight,“ the team wrote. “From Greg’s NASCAR career to his humanitarian efforts in Western NC, he will be greatly missed.”
Sending our condolences to those who knew and loved Greg Biffle, his family, and all those aboard today’s flight.
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) December 18, 2025
From Greg's NASCAR career to his humanitarian efforts in Western NC, he will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/4bqfE2mnBJ
Over the summer, Biffle threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. The team made its own tribute post to Biffle, including a photo of him at their ballpark.
“Our hearts are heavy after learning of the loss of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle,” the team wrote. “We were honored to welcome him to our ballpark earlier this year, and grateful for the moments shared. Sending our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Our hearts are heavy after learning of the loss of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle. We were honored to welcome him to our ballpark earlier this year, and grateful for the moments shared. Sending our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/BYDGmwQ65u
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) December 18, 2025
On Thursday evening during their game, the Charlotte Hornets NBA team held a moment of silence in honor of Biffle.
The @hornets hold a moment of silence for tragic passing of Greg Biffle, his family and those lost in plane crash earlier today. pic.twitter.com/yHE35pxqjO
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) December 19, 2025
Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, the team that Biffle raced for in NASCAR, posted their own tribute to Biffle.
Forever our teammate. pic.twitter.com/eXG2Hn4N5i
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 19, 2025
Two U.S. congressmen, David Rouzer and Pat Harrigan, from North Carolina posted in honor of Biffle and his family. The congressmen expressed their condolences as well as their gratitude for Biffle’s humanitarian work.
I am very saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife and children as well as others in today’s Statesville Regional Airport crash. He will not only be remembered for his success as a NASCAR driver, but also for his generosity and…
— Rep. David Rouzer (@RepDavidRouzer) December 18, 2025
Greg Biffle was someone a lot of North Carolinians knew and respected, and today’s news is incredibly sad.
— Pat Harrigan (@PatHarriganNC) December 18, 2025
Beyond his racing career, people saw who he was when it mattered, especially after Hurricane Helene, when he stepped in to help communities that were struggling. That’s… pic.twitter.com/1wsS0ENpmf
Here’s a look at some more of the tributes to Biffle:
Terrible News. Terrible Day. Rest In Peace https://t.co/IEEg3K1LfE
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) December 18, 2025
I first raced against Greg Biffle in late models back in the mid-90s. Even then, he was a fierce competitor who never gave an inch. If you beat him, you earned it, and I have great respect for him.
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) December 19, 2025
I saw that same determination in the tireless commitment Greg and Cristina showed… pic.twitter.com/7mV0eiApNc
It will forever be the #GregBiffleCrash. What a sad & shocking day. I'm praying for Greg, Cristina and little angels Emma and Ryder. Also for peace and strength to Emma's mom Nicole Lunders . Greg... a star driver and a star in his second act as a humanitarian. pic.twitter.com/GTA70MNjxq
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) December 18, 2025
We are devastated by the loss of our dear friend, his family, and friends that were on the plane with him this morning. Greg was not only a champion driver, he was a great husband, father, son, and friend who did whatever he could to support his community and those associated… pic.twitter.com/R4ZY133p2M
— Ford Racing (@FordRacing) December 18, 2025
Category: General Sports
