STATESVILLE, N.C. — NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, recognized as one of the sport’s 75 Greatest Drivers, was among seven people who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash on Thursday morning at an airport roughly an hour north of Charlotte. NASCAR officials and the victims’ families confirmed the news in separate statements. Biffle was 55 years old.

Also killed in the crash were Biffle’s wife, Cristina, their 14-year-old daughter Emma, and their 5-year-old son Ryder. The other victims were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, according to the families’ statement.

“Our hearts are shattered by the loss of our loved ones,” the statement said. “This unimaginable tragedy has left our families grieving beyond words.”

NASCAR released a statement honoring Biffle’s legacy, describing him as far more than a championship-winning driver. “Greg was a cherished member of the NASCAR family, a fierce competitor, and a loyal friend to many,” the organization said. “His love for racing, his character, and his dedication to fans and fellow drivers left a lasting mark on the sport.”

The Federal Aviation Administration and Statesville Regional Airport confirmed that the aircraft went down shortly after 10 a.m. Eastern Time while attempting to land. The plane, a Cessna C550, was registered to GB Aviation, with Biffle listed as the company’s manager.

North Carolina Highway Patrol Sergeant Chris Knox said the incident involved only one aircraft. Preliminary information suggested the plane had initially departed the airport and was in the process of making a second approach for landing when the crash occurred.

Weather conditions may have played a role, as rain was reported in the area that morning. A witness at the airport described seeing smoke and flames shortly after the crash.

“There was a massive cloud of black smoke, and fire trucks were rushing in,” said Scott Sain, an electrical worker who was on site at the airport. “I didn’t hear the impact, but when I got closer, the end of the runway was completely engulfed in flames.”

Knox said FAA officials were present at the scene Thursday afternoon, and that the National Transportation Safety Board would take over the investigation on Friday. The FAA noted that preliminary accident reports are typically released on the next business day.

Garrett Mitchell, a close friend of Biffle who is widely known online as Cleetus McFarland, shared his grief in a post on Facebook. He wrote that the family had been en route to spend the afternoon with him.

“We are absolutely devastated,” Mitchell said.

Biffle’s racing career spanned more than 20 years and included 19 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series. He also captured championships in both the Busch Series, now known as the Xfinity Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series. One of only a handful of drivers from the Pacific Northwest to achieve major success in stock car racing, Biffle competed full-time in the Cup Series from 2003 through 2016.

Raised in Vancouver, Washington, just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, Biffle honed his skills on local short tracks. His talent caught the attention of the late NASCAR driver Benny Parsons in the mid-1990s. Parsons recommended Biffle to team owner Jack Roush, a turning point that launched his national career. Biffle went on to earn 56 total wins across NASCAR’s top three series.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came late, after he had largely stepped away from full-time competition. In 2019, Biffle returned for a single race with Kyle Busch Motorsports at Texas Motor Speedway. Despite being three years removed from regular Cup Series racing, he delivered a stunning victory, proving his enduring skill behind the wheel.

Biffle was nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and is widely expected to be inducted in the future.

Beyond racing, he was also known for his humanitarian efforts. In 2024, Biffle made numerous helicopter flights to deliver aid to communities in the North Carolina mountains following Hurricane Helene. His commitment to disaster relief earned him the NMPA Myers Brothers Award, an honor recognizing outstanding contributions to stock car racing and the broader community.

In remembering the family, the statement described Greg and Cristina as deeply committed philanthropists whose lives revolved around their children, Ryder and Emma. Emma’s mother, Nicole Lunders, is Biffle’s first wife.

“Emma was a beautiful soul with endless kindness, loved by so many,” the statement said. “Ryder was energetic, curious, and filled with pure joy.”

The statement also honored the other victims, noting that Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply cherished, and that their loss has profoundly affected all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth, a familiar and well-loved figure within the NASCAR community, was remembered as someone who will be greatly missed.

The news sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world, prompting an outpouring of grief from team owners, drivers, and crew members.

Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace shared his sorrow on social media, mourning the Biffle family and referring to Wadsworth as a close friend. Wallace said Wadsworth had served as his motorhome driver for six years.

“Our family is completely heartbroken right now,” Wallace wrote.

Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks also paid tribute, noting the close-knit nature of the racing community. He wrote that while NASCAR is a small and interconnected industry, that closeness brings immense support during moments of loss. He added that the sport had lost a family whose impact extended far beyond the racetrack.

JR Motorsports crew chief Rodney Childers described the day as incredibly difficult, saying his thoughts and heart were with the Biffle family. He remembered them as exceptionally kind people who did so much for others.

Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon, who competed against Biffle for more than a decade in the Cup Series, called the news devastating. Gordon said he held tremendous respect for Biffle as a competitor and recalled their many hard-fought battles on the track. He also noted being inspired by Biffle’s tireless hurricane relief work, adding that his thoughts were with the family and all those mourning the loss.

As the investigation continues, the NASCAR community and fans around the world are left remembering Greg Biffle not only for his achievements on the track, but also for his generosity, leadership, and the profound impact he had on those around him.