Former NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle and Family Die in North Carolina Plane Crash
STATESVILLE, N.C. — Greg Biffle, the former NASCAR star known for his tenacity on the track and his commitment to community service, was among seven people killed when the private plane he was traveling on crashed and burst into flames at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday. The tragedy also claimed the lives of Biffle’s wife Cristina, their two children, and three additional passengers, according to official statements.
The aircraft involved was a Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW, registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company owned by Biffle himself, according to Federal Aviation Administration records. The family was en route to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when the crash occurred.
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell confirmed the fatalities during a press conference, while the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office later verified that all seven aboard perished. NASCAR issued a statement mourning the loss of Biffle, his family, and the three others, describing the former driver as not only a fierce competitor but also a beloved member of the racing community.
“Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” NASCAR said. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.” Biffle’s career highlights included championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
In addition to his racing accolades, Biffle and his family were known for their humanitarian efforts. North Carolina Representative Richard Hudson, R-N.C., expressed his devastation on social media, highlighting the Biffles’ dedication to helping others. “The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene,” Hudson wrote. “Just a couple of weeks ago, Cristina reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were.”
Emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene as smoke rose from the crash site. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the crash, with officials emphasizing that it is too early to speculate on the factors that led to the accident.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the motorsports world and beyond. Fans and colleagues alike remember Biffle not only for his skill behind the wheel but also for his generosity and spirit. His legacy will endure both on and off the track, as a champion and as a compassionate individual who touched many lives.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community mourns the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a family who embodied courage, resilience, and kindness.
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