Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their two children tragically died in a plane crash at a North Carolina airport on Thursday morning, US Representative Richard Hudson confirmed.
The private jet was attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:15 a.m. when the accident occurred, a spokesperson for the airport stated.
The couple’s 5-year-old son, Ryde, and Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter, Emma, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Nicole Lunders, were also on board.
Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, along with Craig Wadsworth were also onboard. The cause of the crash has yet to be revealed.
Biffle, 55, reportedly owned the plane, according to WSOC.
An eyewitness told the outlet that they saw the plane flying “way too low” before the “huge explosion.”
The family was mourned by Hudson, who wrote via X, “I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them.”
“They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” he added, describing Biffle as a “great NASCAR champion” and “extraordinary person,” who “will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”
Hudson also recalled when Biffle “flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene” in September 2024.
At the time, Biffle had assisted several impacted residents who were in dangerous, remote conditions.
Biffle’s humanitarian act earned him the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award, which recognizes those for their contribution to stock car racing, according to the Associated Press.
The family was also mourned by their extended family in a lengthy statement that read, “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 centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders).”
Emma was described as “a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people,” while Ryder was remembered as “an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”
Biffle and Grossu Biffle, meanwhile, tied the knot in 2022.
Biffle was previously married to Lunders from 2007 to 2016.
The real estate agent had posted on social media hours before the crash, re-sharing an inspirational message about Martha Stewart’s success timeline.
Just a week ago, Grossu Biffle had shared a photo of herself and her husband bundled up in winter gear while standing on open land.
