Former NASCAR Star Greg Biffle, Family Among Seven Killed in North Carolina Jet Crash

Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children were among seven people killed when a Cessna C550 business jet crashed while attempting to return to Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning, according to local officials and family representatives.

Authorities said the aircraft went down at approximately 10:15 a.m. as it tried to land, erupting into flames on the runway moments after impact. The jet had departed the same airport only minutes earlier, bound for Sarasota, Florida, before turning back for reasons that remain under investigation.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that all seven people aboard were killed. In addition to the Biffle family, the victims included Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, according to a joint statement released by the families Thursday afternoon.

A Racing Champion Remembered

Biffle, 55, was a celebrated NASCAR driver known for his victories across the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series. He retired from full‑time racing in 2016 but remained active in motorsports and aviation. The jet involved in the crash was registered to a company he owned, according to flight records cited by the Associated Press.

Tributes poured in from across the racing community. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina said he was “devastated” by the loss, calling Biffle “a great NASCAR champion” and “an extraordinary person” known for his philanthropy and service to others.

Garrett Mitchell, a close friend and fellow racer, confirmed that Biffle, Cristina, their daughter Emma, and son Ryder were en route to visit him when the crash occurred. “We were supposed to spend the afternoon together,” Mitchell wrote in a public post.

A Fiery Scene at Statesville Regional Airport

Witnesses reported seeing the jet engulfed in flames as emergency crews rushed to the runway. Video and images from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from the wreckage as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

The airport, located about 40 miles north of Charlotte, serves as a hub for corporate aviation, including aircraft used by NASCAR teams and Fortune 500 companies. Operations were temporarily halted as investigators secured the crash site.

Families Release Joint Statement

In a statement shared Thursday evening, the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families expressed profound grief:

“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma,” the statement read. “Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved deeply by all who knew her.”

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a joint investigation. Early flight data indicates the aircraft returned to the airport shortly after takeoff, though officials have not yet released information on possible mechanical issues or pilot communications prior to the crash.

The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within several weeks.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of the Biffle family has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond. Fans, colleagues, and friends have shared memories of Biffle’s competitive spirit, generosity, and devotion to his family.

Biffle, a native of Washington state, earned 19 Cup Series victories and was widely respected for his versatility and determination on the track.

As investigators continue to piece together the final moments of the flight, the Statesville community and the broader motorsports world are left grieving a devastating loss.