The NASCAR community is grappling with intense sorrow following a devastating plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina on Thursday, which resulted in the loss of seven lives, including Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Ryder and Emma, as well as Craig Wadsworth. In the midst of this tragedy, a Denny Hamlin tribute to Emma Biffle, shared by Hamlin’s fiancée Jordan Fish, has brought personal and heartfelt reflections to the forefront of the grieving NASCAR community.
Personal Bonds Amplify the Loss
The plane, a Cessna C550 business jet, crashed after catching fire while attempting to return to the airport shortly after takeoff, removing several loved and prominent figures from NASCAR’s close-knit circle. Cristina Biffle’s last message, sent via her mother’s phone, underscores the sudden and devastating nature of the event. Families across the racing world are united in mourning, and Jordan Fish’s emotional post offers a glimpse into how deeply this loss is felt.
Jordan Fish Remembers Emma Biffle
Through her words on social media, Fish opened up about the connection between her family—especially her daughters—and Emma Biffle. Fish’s daughters had grown close to Emma at various NASCAR events, connecting as the children of drivers and team members often do. She posted,
“My heart aches for the entire Biffle family and victims involved,”
— Jordan Fish, fiancée of Denny Hamlin.
Another message highlighted her affection for Emma:
“My heart is especially heavy for Greg and Nicole’s daughter, Emma, who was a friend to both my girls. Emma had the biggest heart, and would always stop and give me a hug. Our hearts are with them.”
— Jordan Fish, fiancée of Denny Hamlin.
The tribute highlighted Emma’s kindness, describing her as a joyful presence whose hugs and warmth left lasting impressions. Greg Biffle, previously married to Nicole Lunders, had watched Emma grow up alongside other children at the races, reinforcing the unique bonds created within the NASCAR community.
Remembering the Broader Impact
The accident took the lives of several others with strong NASCAR ties, including motorhome driver Craig Wadsworth. Families of all the victims released a joint statement:
“Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him,”
— Official statement from victims’ families.
This collective grief is palpable among friends, drivers, and supporters, where professional relationships often cross over into personal lives. The emotional impact of the loss is particularly strong, as so many in the sport interact across events, races, and personal milestones.
NASCAR’s Path Forward After Heartbreak
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, the NASCAR community is channeling its grief into support for the families, remembering victims not just for their roles in the sport, but for the love and companionship they shared. Jordan Fish’s Denny Hamlin tribute to Emma Biffle stands as a reminder of the deeply human connections at risk in the wake of tragedy, emphasizing the resilience and unity found in mourning together. The coming weeks will challenge the community, but also offer chances to honor those lost and provide ongoing care for each other.
My heart aches for the entire Biffle family and victims involved. My heart is especially heavy for Greg and Nicole’s daughter, Emma, who was a friend to both my girls. Emma had the biggest heart, and would always stop and give me a hug. Our hearts are with them. 🕊️🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/3HnW1lQ0zi
— Jordan Fish (@missjfish) December 19, 2025
