Former NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle, Wife, Two Children Die in Plane Crash

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their two children were among six people killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday morning, December 18.

The tragic incident was confirmed by US Representative Richard Hudson, a close family friend, who expressed his grief in a post on X.

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” Hudson wrote. “They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans, but he was also an extraordinary person who will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”

Hudson also highlighted the family’s humanitarian efforts, recalling a recent conversation with Cristina. “The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” he added.

According to the Associated Press, Biffle, 55, was travelling with his wife, their daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5, aboard a Cessna C550 jet that crashed while attempting to land in foggy conditions at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville at about 10:15 a.m.

FlightAware data showed that the aircraft had taken off shortly after 10 a.m. and was returning to the airport at the time of the crash. Local media outlets WSOC and Fox 8 reported that the plane was owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing.

The family’s presence on the aircraft was also confirmed by Biffle’s friend, Garrett Mitchell, who said on Facebook that the jet was en route to Florida.

“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane,” Mitchell wrote. “They were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”

Nicknamed “The Biff,” Greg Biffle enjoyed a successful racing career, winning the NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002. In 2023, he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and, last year, received the 2024 NMPA Myers Brothers Award in recognition of his humanitarian work.