Retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle, 55, died in a plane crash along with his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and his 14-year-old daughter Emma in Statesville, North Carolina, on Thursday morning. Officials say the Cessna C550 business jet — a private jet owned by Biffle’s company — crashed while trying to return and land at Statesville Regional Airport shortly after takeoff.
The crash also killed three others: Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, a close friend of Biffle and a well-known figure in the NASCAR community.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Officials said weather conditions at the time were cloudy with light rain, which may have affected visibility.
Who Was Greg Biffle?
Gregory Jack Biffle was a famous American NASCAR driver known for his talent on the racetrack and his friendly personality. Biffle raced in NASCAR for many years and became one of the sport’s most respected competitors.
Born: December 23, 1969, in Vancouver, Washington
Career Highlights:
- Champion of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2000
- Champion of the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2002
- Won 19 NASCAR Cup Series races
- Named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers
He retired from full-time racing but remained involved in motorsports and was admired by fans and fellow drivers alike.
Family and Personal Life
Biffle was a devoted family man. He married Cristina Grossu in 2023, and together they had a young son, Ryder Jack Biffle. His daughter Emma Elizabeth was from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders.
In their first public statement since the crash, the Biffle and Dutton families expressed deep sorrow and said they are focusing on remembering their loved ones. They described the Biffles as devoted parents and highlighted the significant impact Emma and Ryder had on their family and community.
Biffle was also known for his humanitarian work. In 2024, he helped with rescue efforts after Hurricane Helene, earning praise for his dedication to helping others.
What Happened to the Plane?
The aircraft involved was a Cessna C550 business jet, a type often used for private or corporate travel. Flight tracking data shows the plane took off from Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. and soon after turned back toward the airport. It never climbed above about 2,000 feet and crashed near the runway while attempting to land.
The crash caused a large fire, and emergency workers quickly responded, but none of the seven people on board survived.
