The world of motorsports and beyond is in mourning following the tragic death of retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife, and their two young children in a devastating plane crash.
A Tragic Morning in Statesville
On the morning of Thursday, December 18, a Cessna C550 business jet crashed near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The aircraft, owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing, had taken off shortly after 10 a.m. and was attempting to return to the airport in foggy conditions when the accident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m.
All six people on board perished. The victims included the 55-year-old racing legend, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their 14-year-old daughter Emma, and their 5-year-old son Ryder. The family was en route to Florida to visit friends at the time of the crash.
Tributes Pour In for a Champion and Humanitarian
News of the tragedy was confirmed by family friend U.S. Representative Richard Hudson, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media platform X. "I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them," Hudson wrote.
He highlighted the Biffle family's profound commitment to helping others, noting Greg's legacy extended far beyond the racetrack. "Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track," Hudson stated.
He shared a poignant detail about Cristina's character, revealing that just weeks earlier, she had contacted him to ask how she could assist with relief efforts in Jamaica. "That’s who the Biffles were," he added.
A Storied Racing Career and Lasting Legacy
Greg Biffle, affectionately known as "The Biff," enjoyed a highly successful NASCAR career with multiple championships. His major achievements include:
- Winning the NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2000.
- Securing the NASCAR Xfinity Series title in 2002.
- Being named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
His humanitarian spirit was formally recognized just last year when he received the 2024 NMPA Myers Brothers Award for his charitable work. Family friend Garrett Mitchell, who was expecting the Biffles' visit, confirmed the devastating news on Facebook, expressing the family's profound grief.
The crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The tight-knit NASCAR community and fans worldwide are left to mourn the loss of a champion driver and, more importantly, a devoted family known for their generosity.
