NASCAR legend Greg Biffle killed in plane crash, close friend says

NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, his wife and two children have died in the fiery North Carolina plane crash, according to his close friend. 

Multiple fatalities were reported Thursday after a Cessna C550 private jet, owned by the 55-year-old, crashed on the runway at Statesville Regional Airport around 10.15am, according to aviation records. 

The plane, which was on its way to Sarasota, Florida, was seen engulfed in flames as emergency crews rushed to the terrifying scene, about 45 minutes from Charlotte. 

On Thursday afternoon, Garrett Mitchell, one of Biffle's friends, shared the sad news that the NASCAR driver, wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were onboard.

'Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane... because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,' Mitchell, who often appears in YouTube videos with Biffle, wrote on Facebook. 

'We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this,' he stated.

A total of seven people died in the crash, including Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star. Dennis and his son Jack Dutton were also killed, according to a  statement from the families.

'Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leave an immeasurable void in our lives,' the statement read. It is unclear who was piloting the aircraft. 

The plane initially took off from the airport then circled back before the deadly landing, meaning there might have been a mechanical issue, WCNC's Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich, said after looking at public flight data. 

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land. 

Following their sudden deaths, NASCAR issued an emotional statement. 

'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 organization told the Daily Mail. 

'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.

'On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. 

'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.'

North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson also confirmed the family tragedy. 

'I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans,' Hudson said on X. 

'But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.

'The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. 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. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.'

It comes after Biffle posted a picture of him piloting the very same plane in September. 

According to FAA records, the aircraft belongs to the semi-retired NASCAR driver who was seen in a smiling snap with President Donald Trump in February at the NASCAR Cup series in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

He married his ex-wife, Nicole Lunders, in October 2007. They share a teenage daughter, Emma Elizabeth, together. The pair got divorced in 2016. 

Biffle went on to marry his current wife, Cristina Grossu, in January 2023 after getting engaged in 2021. They share five-year-old Ryder. 

Nearly 24 hours before the fatal crash, Cristina posted a picture in the car on her Instagram story with the caption: 'Busy day today.' 

She then shared a picture of Martha Stewart with an inspirational statement on it. 

Grossu was a realtor, CEO of My Replica Ring, and a travel agent for CG Luxe Travel, according to her Instagram account. 

The couple often posted pictures together online at family and racing events. 

Biffle made headlines last year for flying the plane around The Tar Heel State, rescuing stranded citizens, and running emergency relief during Hurricane Helene. 

The professional race car driver, also known as 'the Biff', was born in Vancouver, Washington, and started his racing career in the Pacific Northwest. 

The tragedy comes 10 years after Biffle was involved in a minor plane crash on the runway at Kentucky's Lexington Airport. 

He and two pilots were left unharmed after a landing-gear malfunction caused his plane to collapse while landing at the airport, NASCAR said at the time. 

Biffle went on to call the pilots 'heroes' for stopping the wing from leaving the runway and heading into the grass. 

'My pilots did a remarkable job,' he said. 

NASCAR also has a devastatingly long list of big names who have died in plane crashes.

Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, Richie Panch, Curtis Turner, Jack Roush, and more have sadly lost their lives in previous incidents. 

In 2004, 10 NASCAR staffers from the same team were all killed in a plane crash into the mountains in Stuart, Virginia. 

The Hendrick Motorsports team members and two pilots tragically died in the incident. 

Multiple members of the Hendrick family, including Hendrick Motorsports President John Hendrick, his twin daughters, and Ricky Hendrick, former Busch Series driver, died.