Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and two children were among seven people killed in a plane crash Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, officials confirmed.
Biffle, 55, died along with his wife Cristina, 5-year-old son Ryder, and 14-year-old daughter Emma when the Cessna C550 crashed while landing. Three others also perished in the crash: Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, who was known in the NASCAR community.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” the families said in a joint statement. “This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”
The plane, owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing, had taken off from Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. but immediately turned around and attempted to land. Witnesses near the airport reported seeing the aircraft flying erratically before it crashed at the end of the runway and erupted in flames.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,'” Joshua Green of Mooresville told the local ABC News station. “It was scary.”
The airport has been closed indefinitely while investigators work to determine the cause of the crash and clear debris from the runway.
Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series. He drove for 18 years at the top of the sport, making over 800 starts across NASCAR’s three national series and winning 54 races.
The Washington native won the NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002, becoming the first driver to win championships in both series
NASCAR released a statement on the tragedy.
“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. 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,” the statement read. “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.”
Warning: The following footage is graphic.
🚨 JUST IN: TERRIFYING new footage of the plane crash which kiIIed NASCAR legend and humanitarian Greg Biffle earlier today
Seven people are confirmed deceased, including Greg, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder
Keep their family in your prayers tonight 🙏🏻
h/t… pic.twitter.com/hOsqyVIfvZ
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 18, 2025