NASCAR’s Greg Biffle, Family Among 7 Killed in North Carolina Jet Crash/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife, and two children were among seven victims of a fatal business jet crash in North Carolina. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport. Federal investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fiery crash.
Greg Biffle Plane Crash + Quick Looks
- Cessna C550 jet crashed after takeoff from Statesville, NC
- Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children killed
- Three other passengers also died in the crash
- Plane registered to a company operated by Biffle
- Cause of the crash remains under investigation
- Aircraft caught fire upon impact; weather was cloudy and drizzly
- Plane was en route to Florida for a family trip
- FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation
- Witnesses described the plane flying dangerously low
- Biffle remembered for his racing career and humanitarian work
NASCAR’s Greg Biffle, Family Among 7 Killed in North Carolina Jet Crash
Deep Look
STATESVILLE, N.C. — A devastating plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday claimed the lives of seven people, including retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children. The accident occurred just minutes after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport, as the plane attempted to return and land under cloudy skies.
The aircraft, a Cessna C550 business jet, erupted into flames upon impact, killing everyone on board. Authorities confirmed the plane was registered to a company owned by Biffle. While the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined, investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading a full inquiry.
According to flight data, the jet had departed shortly after 10 a.m. with Florida as its intended destination. Conditions at the time included drizzle and low visibility. It remains unclear why the aircraft reversed course, and whether Biffle—who was licensed to fly various aircraft—was piloting the jet himself.
On board were Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and 14-year-old daughter Emma, as well as three family friends: Dennis Dutton, his teenage son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
A joint statement released by the families expressed the deep grief of those left behind:
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.”
Biffle’s racing legacy spans over two decades, with more than 50 wins across NASCAR’s top three divisions, including 19 victories in the elite Cup Series. He also secured championships in the Truck Series (2000) and the Xfinity Series (2002).
In a statement, NASCAR called Biffle “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” adding that “his passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”
Witnesses at a nearby golf course described a terrifying scene. Joshua Green of Mooresville was playing at Lakewood Golf Club when he saw the jet fly alarmingly low overhead.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” he said. Moments later, the crash site was engulfed in smoke and flames, with debris littering the area, including parts of the ninth hole.
Built in 1981, the Cessna C550 is widely regarded as a reliable mid-size business jet. Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti noted the aircraft’s generally strong reputation, with a typical capacity of six to eight passengers and two pilots.
Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Biffle was known for his philanthropy. In 2024, he was honored for his relief efforts after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina. Using his personal helicopter, Biffle personally delivered aid to remote communities.
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson, a family friend, highlighted the couple’s ongoing humanitarian work.
“The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” he said.
Wadsworth, also killed in the crash, was a close friend of Biffle’s. Known for his willingness to help others, he assisted the Biffles during previous relief missions and often took on various roles to support their efforts.
“He didn’t know how to say no,” said roommate Benito Howell. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.”
The joint family statement also honored Dennis and Jack Dutton, describing them as “deeply loved” and noting that “their loss is felt by all who knew them.”
The accident adds to a growing list of aviation tragedies in 2025. With just weeks left in the year, the NTSB has investigated 1,331 U.S. aviation crashes—ranging from private aircraft to commercial carriers—compared to 1,482 in all of 2024.
Globally, the year has seen several major disasters, including a plane-helicopter collision in Washington that killed 67, an Air India crash that claimed 260 lives, and a fatal incident in Russia’s Far East that left 48 dead. In the U.S., a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky resulted in 14 fatalities, including 11 people on the ground.
As investigators sift through the wreckage in North Carolina, the racing world and the broader community are left mourning the loss of one of its most respected champions and his family—remembered not just for their achievements, but for their generosity, kindness, and lasting legacy.
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