A devastating small-plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, December 18, is now linked to NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, with a close friend saying the driverâs wife and son were on board the aircraft when it went down.
Shortly after the crash, Biffleâs longtime friend and fellow automotive personality Garrett âCleetus McFarlandâ Mitchell shared a harrowing update.
He took to social media to state Biffle and his family were on board.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Christina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane…because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Mitchell wrote on Facebook. “We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the racing community and beyond, as family, friends and fans await more information while grappling with an unfolding tragedy.
What Is Known
The incident occurred at Statesville Regional Airport near Mooresville, North Carolina, when a Cessna C550 business jet lost control while attempting to land around 10:15 a.m. local time, according to the Associated Press.
The jet â registered to a company associated with Biffle â crashed and caught fire on the runway.
Local responders rushed to the scene, but initial reports confirmed multiple fatalities before authorities could release further details.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken the lead in investigating the crash.
Details remain preliminary, and authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those aboard or the specific cause of the accident.
The investigation is expected to include examination of flight data, weather conditions, air traffic communication and wreckage analysis.
Biffle Had an Impressive Career
Biffle, 55, is one of NASCARâs most respected drivers, with an accomplished career that includes championships in both the Busch Series (now the NASCAR Xfinity Series) and the Camping World Truck Series, as well as 19 NASCAR Cup Series victories.
His success on the track earned him a loyal fan base and admiration from fellow drivers.
Friends and members of the racing community responded with shock and sorrow.
Many expressed concern for the Biffle family and called for thoughts and prayers while the situation continued to unfold.
Fans expressed their sadness over the news on social media.
“Iâm genuinely heartbroken man,” one user wrote.
“Not even a NASCAR guy and I know of how great a person Greg is/was,” another added. “Racing as a whole was dealt a loss here!”
“Rest in peace Champ, we will never forget you,” one user wrote.
The post NASCAR Icon and Family Pass Away in Tragic Plane Crash – Our Hearts Go Out to Them appeared first on EntertainmentNow.