Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and their two young children were among seven people killed when a private jet crashed Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, authorities said.
Biffle, a well-known figure in American stock car racing, was traveling with his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their children, Emma and Ryder, when the Cessna C550 went down shortly after arriving in the area, officials confirmed during a news briefing.
The NASCAR family is devastated at the loss of Greg Biffle, who was one of our 75 greatest drivers and became known for his relentless post-career humanitarian work.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 18, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/Q7nh6ug1iW
The other victims were identified as Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and Dutton’s son, Jack.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” the families of the victims said in a joint statement. “This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”
North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. Christopher Knox said all seven people on board the aircraft died in what he described as one of the most severe crash scenes he has encountered.
“At this point, we can confirm that there were seven occupants on the aircraft and all are deceased,” Knox said, later confirming that Biffle and members of his immediate family were among the victims.
Cristina Grossu Biffle’s mother, Cathy, told People magazine that she received a final text message from her daughter moments before the crash.
“She texted me from the plane and said, ‘We’re in trouble,’” Cathy said through tears. “That was the last message I received. We are completely devastated.”
According to Cathy, the family had been traveling to Florida for what was planned as a birthday trip. She said Greg and Cristina had visited her home the day before the flight.
“I don’t remember the last words I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder,” she said. “I know we hugged. They were happy.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. No further details were immediately released.
