Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was among seven people killed in a plane crash near a regional airport in North Carolina on Thursday, December 18, 2025. US authorities said everyone on board the aircraft, which was registered under a company linked to Biffle, died in the crash.
The aircraft, a Cessna C50 business jet, burst into what eyewitnesses described as a “fireball” as it crashed during a landing attempt. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the plane had taken off from Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte, before turning back shortly after departure and crashing.
The Associated Press reported that the crash may have been caused by poor visibility, with foggy conditions at around 10:15 am local time. It is still unclear who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not officially released the full list of victims, but reports suggest that Greg Biffle and members of his immediate family were among those on board.
According to The Guardian, Biffle was travelling with his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, their five-year-old son, Ryder, and his 14-year-old daughter, Emma. The other victims were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
Greg Biffle family breaks silence
Following the Greg Biffle tragedy, the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families released a joint statement expressing their grief. They described Greg and Cristina as devoted parents and philanthropists whose lives revolved around their children.
The statement also paid tribute to Emma’s kind nature and Ryder’s joyful spirit, while remembering Dennis and Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth as deeply loved individuals whose loss has left a lasting void.
As news of the crash spread, disturbing images and videos from the scene began circulating online. Early footage showed thick black smoke rising from the airport, with the plane engulfed in flames after skidding across the ground.
Witnesses told local media that the aircraft struck several trees before crashing. One eyewitness said he initially thought the fire was coming from a house, while another described the plane scraping across the treeline before exploding into flames.
At the time the visuals first emerged, officials had not yet confirmed the identities of those on board, and it was initially unclear whether Biffle himself was among the passengers.
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Greg Biffle Career
Greg Biffle rose to prominence in NASCAR during the 2000s and enjoyed a career that spanned two decades. In 2023, he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. Known to fans as “The Biff,” he won 19 races across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series and was named Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year in 2001.
Beyond racing, Biffle was widely respected for his philanthropic work through the Greg Biffle Foundation, which supports animal welfare causes. He was also a licensed pilot and often spoke publicly about his passion for flying.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein paid tribute to Biffle, noting that beyond his racing success, he was known for his courage, compassion, and support for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
Officials later confirmed that the jet involved in the crash was registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company associated with Greg Biffle.
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