Retired NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle, Family Among Fatalities in Jet Crash
Former NASCAR star and family among seven killed in tragic jet disaster.
A devastating business jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina claimed the lives of all seven people on board Thursday morning, including retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their two children. Authorities confirmed the fatalities following the incident, which occurred shortly after the aircraft's takeoff when it attempted an emergency return to the runway. The Cessna C550, registered to a company associated with Biffle, erupted into flames upon impact, leaving no survivors in what officials described as a profound tragedy.
The crash unfolded around 10:15 a.m. local time as the private jet departed from the airport north of Charlotte. Flight data indicates the plane had only been airborne briefly before turning back sharply, failing to gain significant altitude. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports suggest the aircraft was attempting to land when it crashed at the east end of the runway, resulting in a massive fire that complicated immediate identification efforts. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and local authorities swiftly responded, confirming seven occupants were aboard and none survived the intense post-crash blaze.
Among the victims were Biffle, a 55-year-old icon of the sport known for his 19 Cup Series victories and championships in both the Xfinity and Truck Series, along with his wife Cristina, son Ryder, and daughter Emma from a previous marriage. Also killed were passengers Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, as well as Craig Wadsworth, a longtime figure in the NASCAR community. A joint statement from the affected families expressed profound grief, noting that Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and philanthropists whose lives revolved around their children and service to others.
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Tributes poured in from across the racing world and beyond, highlighting Biffle's legacy both on the track and in humanitarian efforts. U.S. Representative Richard Hudson, a family friend, described the Biffles as individuals who "lived their lives focused on helping others," praising Greg's championship prowess and extraordinary character. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein echoed these sentiments, calling the news heartbreaking and commending Biffle's courageous response to Hurricane Helene in 2024, where he piloted hundreds of relief missions using his personal helicopter to aid remote communities.
The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed a team to investigate the cause of the crash, with investigators expected to arrive on site promptly. The Federal Aviation Administration is assisting in the probe, focusing on factors that led to the aborted flight and subsequent disaster. As the NASCAR community mourns the loss of one of its greatest drivers and a beloved family, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with private aviation, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew the victims.
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