NASCAR Community Comes Together to Support Greg Biffle’s Family After Tragic Plane Crash

Greg Biffle, Cristina Biffle and their kids Emma and Ryder.
Credit:

Greg Biffle/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

• Greg Biffle and his family — wife Cristina and their two children, 14-year-old Emma and 5-year-old Ryder — tragically died in a plane crash Thursday morning in North Carolina.
• Friends, fellow drivers, and fans expressed their sorrow over the retired NASCAR driver’s death on social media.
• Biffle was celebrated for his illustrious racing career and his philanthropic efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Tributes are pouring in for former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, who lost their lives in a plane crash on Thursday morning at a North Carolina airport. They were traveling to meet a family friend when their plane crashed, leading to the deaths of seven individuals, including Biffle’s family.

Biffle, 55, was reported to be en route with his wife, Cristina, and their children, Emma and Ryder. The fatal incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. local time at Statesville Regional Airport, as indicated by his friend Garrett Mitchell, also known as internet personality Cleetus McFarland.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land amid foggy conditions. Later, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the other victims as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

Greg Biffle.

Brian Lawdermilk/Getty

Following the tragic news, tributes began to emerge across social media, including messages from U.S. Congress members who confirmed the family’s passing.

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson expressed his devastation, highlighting Biffle’s impressive humanitarian efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. “They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” Hudson remarked. “Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans, but he will be remembered for both his service to others and his fearlessness on the track. The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.”

Hudson added that during their last conversation, Cristina had reached out about contributing to relief efforts in Jamaica, illustrating the Biffle family’s commitment to helping others.

Rep. Tim Moore also offered condolences, stating, “Greg was a hero on and off the track, stepping up when Western NC needed help after Hurricane Helene.”

Biffle’s fellow NASCAR drivers and friends shared their heartfelt messages online, reflecting on his character and contributions. Retired driver Clint Bowyer wrote, “Absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family. An unbelievable talent behind the controls and an amazing family man. Devastated for everyone!”

Chip Ganassi, CEO of Chip Ganassi Racing, referred to Biffle as “a Racers Racer and a Gentleman” and added, “RIP my friend.”

Current NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Weatherman conveyed, “RIP Biff… you and your family will be missed. You did so much for North Carolina and the NASCAR Community.”

Local sports announcer Jake Wilson expressed his sorrow, stating that Biffle had “helped so many people and made so many lives better” through his humanitarian work. “I’m so glad I got to know you,” he wrote.

Greg Biffle and wife Cristina Biffle.

Greg Biffle/Instagram

Biffle was honored with the 2024 Myers Brothers Award for his humanitarian contributions following Hurricane Helene. Local meteorologists also acknowledged his vital role in organizing relief efforts during this disaster. South Carolina meteorologist Chris Jackson highlighted Biffle’s impact, stating, “The world lost a great man and great family that selflessly stepped up during a time of need.”

WBTW meteorologist Scotty Powell remarked that he felt “punched in the gut” by the news, describing Biffle’s death as “a tremendous loss” and urging the community to strive to help others like Biffle did.