The NASCAR community is grieving after a deadly plane crash in North Carolina killed former champion driver Greg Biffle and six others. Authorities said a business jet went down while attempting to land, and all seven people on board were killed.
The victims include Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder, Biffle’s daughter Emma, brothers Dennis and Jack Dutton, and NASCAR executive Craig Wadsworth. Federal and state agencies are investigating the cause.
What happened at Statesville Regional Airport
According to FOX Sports, the business jet “erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport.” The aircraft was attempting to land when it crashed, sending flames and debris across parts of the airport and nearby areas.
State police said the damage from the fire made it difficult to immediately confirm all occupants. “Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane,” police said in a statement reported by FOX Sports.
Witnesses near the airport described the moment as frightening. “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,” said Joshua Green of Mooresville. “It was scary, he said, according to FOX Sports.”
Greg Biffle’s NASCAR career
Greg Biffle was one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers of the 2000s. According to FOX Sports, he won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three national series, including 19 wins at the Cup Series level. He captured the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship in 2000 and the NASCAR Xfinity Series title in 2002.
Biffle later became a mainstay in the Cup Series, spending much of his career with Roush Fenway Racing. After stepping away from full-time competition, he remained involved in the sport and became known for his humanitarian work later in life.
NASCAR acknowledged his impact in a public message. “NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.”
NASCAR Statement:
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.
Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a…
— NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) December 18, 2025
Family statement and ongoing investigation
Family members released a joint statement expressing their grief following the crash.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lundberg). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child. Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.”
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives. We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another, the families continued.”
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are continuing their investigation into the crash. As officials work to determine what caused the accident, the NASCAR community continues to mourn the loss of Greg Biffle and the others who were killed.
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