Retired NASCAR driver Greg Bifflehis wife and two children were among seven people killed in a Dec. 18 plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, according to a statement from the Biffle family.
The crash occurred near Statesville Regional Airport, a non-commercial airport in the city located 45 miles north of Charlotte.
The joint statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families first reported by FOX Sports confirmed the deaths of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, children Ryder and Emma Biffle, Dennis Dutton and son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed the plane’s tail number was N257BW and registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company with the same listed address as Biffle’s according to Iredell County records.
Airport director John Ferguson said in a media statement that a plane crashed on the runway at the east end around 10:15 a.m. and was “completely engulfed” when it arrived on scene.
The FAA arrived on scene at noon and took over the investigation, Ferguson said. The NTSB will arrive on scene Dec. 19, the NC SHP said. There is no immediate information on the cause of the incident and the airport is currently closed.
Biffle, 55, has won 19 NASCAR Cup Series races and won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title in 2000 and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship in 2002.
The Vancouver, Washington, native was named one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers in 2023 and was nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Biffle brought relief to western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and other areas affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024, flying to hard-to-reach areas with supplies and resources for displaced and affected people. He posted on social media his intention to do the same earlier this year in Jamaica and areas of the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Melissa.
What NASCAR said about Greg Biffle’s death
NASCAR released a statement on December 18.
“Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor and a friend to many,” the NASCAR statement read. “His passion for racing, his integrity and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors have had a lasting impact on the sport.”
“….Beyond his career as a pilot, he gave of himself for the good of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters following Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.”
Jack Roush, founder of RFK Racing, also released a statement on December 18. Biffle drove for Roush Racing for nearly two decades, including 14 years in the Cup Series.
“The entire Charlotte sports community has suffered a tremendous loss,” Roush said. “The tragic accident involving Greg Biffle and his family today is incredibly heartbreaking. I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program. His contributions to our racing team over the years are immeasurable. My condolences go out to everyone who loved and knew Greg and his family.”
NASCAR drivers react to Greg Biffle’s death
This article was originally published on Nashville Tennessean: Death of Greg Biffle, NASCAR driver killed in North Carolina plane crash
