Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two children were among seven people killed after a small aircraft crashed on Thursday in Statesville, North Carolina.
Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5, died in the crash, alongside Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
Flight records showed the aircraft was registered to a company run by Biffle. The Cessna C550 departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, shortly after 10 a.m. but crashed while attempting to return and land, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The plane erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground. Authorities said the cause of the crash was not immediately known, nor was it clear why the aircraft was returning to the airport amid drizzle and cloudy conditions. It was also unclear whether Biffle was piloting the plane at the time. Federal Aviation Administration records showed he was rated to fly helicopters and single and multi engine planes.
“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” a joint statement released on behalf of the families read. “Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement added.
Biffle was selected by NASCAR as one of its top 75 drivers in history and was a Hall of Fame nominee. He competed for 18 years at the top level of the sport, winning championships in both the Truck Series in 2000 and the Xfinity Series in 2002, becoming the first driver to win titles in both categories.
He spent nearly his entire career driving for Roush Fenway Racing, now RFK Racing, which is headquartered about 40 miles south of the crash site.
“I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program,” team co owner Jack Roush said on social media. “His contributions to our race team over the years are immeasurable.”
Tributes poured in from across the auto racing community and beyond. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein praised Biffle’s “courage and compassion,” particularly his efforts helping victims of Hurricane Helene. NASCAR also issued a statement.
“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,” the series said. “Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.”
Wadsworth, one of the victims, was a close friend of Biffle and had assisted him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to communities affected by Hurricane Helene, according to roommate Benito Howell.
A native of Vancouver, Washington, Biffle made more than 800 starts across NASCAR’s three national series, winning 54 races in total, including 19 at Cup Series level. His best Cup season came in 2005, when he finished second in the championship standings behind Tony Stewart.
Biffle made his Cup debut in 2002 and transitioned into semi retirement in 2016, before returning in 2022 to compete in five races, including the Daytona 500.
Retired Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon also paid tribute.
“I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track,” Gordon wrote on social media. “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.”
Piloting was one of Biffle’s passions, and his social media accounts often featured flights with friends and family. In 2024, he won the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award for humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene.
“I had no idea at that point in time how devastating this storm was,” Biffle said later. “What started out to be rescuing one family … turned into 4,000 messages. … It went viral.”
Friend and fellow driver Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, said the family had been travelling to spend time with him in Florida.
“We are devastated,” Mitchell wrote on Facebook.
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina also mourned the family.
“The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene,” Hudson wrote. “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.”
Less than a week before the crash, Biffle shared a video of his family choosing a Christmas tree.
“It’s been a successful day,” he said. “Now, it’s time to get the decorations out and get her going.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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