Early Thursday morning, former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Emma and Ryder, and three others lost their lives in a plane crash near Statesville Regional Airport, North Carolina, drawing grief and statements from across the motorsports community. Jeff Gordon pays tribute in the aftermath, joining colleagues and fans in expressing sorrow for the loss of a celebrated driver and humanitarian.
Racing Community Reacts To Biffle Family Tragedy
The incident reverberated throughout the NASCAR world as news of Greg Biffle’s death and that of his family members and companions was confirmed. Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion and longtime track competitor of Biffle, was among the first high-profile figures to react publicly on social media.
Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.
— Jeff Gordon, Cup Series Champion
Other tributes soon followed from fellow racers, including Clint Bowyer and Kenny Wallace, highlighting the widespread sense of loss within NASCAR and beyond. Kenny Wallace further revealed that Craig Wadsworth, a long-serving member of his own team, was also on board during the fatal crash.
Details Surrounding The Crash Near Charlotte
The crash took place at approximately 10:15 a.m. ET, when a Cessna C550, owned by Greg Biffle, crashed during landing at Statesville Regional Airport, about an hour north of Charlotte, N.C. The impact resulted in immediate flames and dense smoke, leaving little recognizable from the aircraft. Eyewitnesses in the area captured video footage showing the aircraft’s dangerously low altitude as the pilot attempted to land under challenging conditions.
Visibility over the region was poor due to heavy rain at the time, which likely contributed to the tragic outcome. CNN reported that federal sources linked to the investigation confirmed a person associated with NASCAR had been onboard, pointing to Greg Biffle, with confirmation of the tragic details following shortly after.
Family and Friends Confirm Identities And Plans
The Biffle family shared a formal statement ahead of an official announcement from local authorities, confirming the losses of Greg, Cristina, Emma, Ryder, and three others.
Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,
— Garrett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland), Family Friend
We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.
— Garrett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland), Family Friend
According to Mitchell, the family was traveling to see him, making the loss even more personal and heartbreaking for those close to them. Kenny Wallace specified that Craig Wadsworth, his former motorhome driver for six years, was also among the casualties.
Weather Conditions And Investigation Launch
Authorities noted that the area was experiencing rain and decreased visibility when the Cessna C550 attempted to land, compounding the risks inherent in the landing procedure. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into the crash, announcing plans to hold a press conference to share preliminary findings on Friday.
As the devastating news shakes the motorsports world, the focus has turned to honoring the legacies of Greg Biffle and his family, and supporting those affected by the loss. Jeff Gordon pays tribute not only to a racing rival but to a respected figure admired for his charitable work, particularly his contributions during Hurricane Helene. The Statesville community, NASCAR, and fans nationwide now await further details from the ongoing investigation as they process this profound tragedy.
Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting. pic.twitter.com/TN9vbqjpZ4
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) December 18, 2025
