Last Updated on December 18, 2025 8:03 pm
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two children, and three others were killed Thursday morning when a business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport. Biffle, 55, had become widely known in recent months for his extensive Hurricane Helene relief efforts across Western North Carolina.
The Cessna C550 business jet crashed at approximately 10:15 a.m. while attempting to land at the airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed all seven occupants were killed in the crash, which was followed by a post-crash fire.
Those killed in the crash were Greg Biffle; his wife Cristina; their son Ryder; Biffle's daughter Emma; Dennis Dutton and his son Jack; and Craig Wadsworth, a NASCAR veteran who had also assisted with Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
The families released a joint statement Thursday afternoon expressing their devastation.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families said in a joint statement. “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. 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.”
NASCAR released a statement honoring Biffle's racing legacy and his humanitarian work.
“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 said. “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. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport. On the track, Greg's talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg's entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also released a statement acknowledging Biffle's contributions to Western North Carolina.
“Heartbreaking news out of Statesville,” Stein said. “Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash.”
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, the aircraft departed Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. but returned and was attempting to land when the crash occurred. The plane was registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company managed by Biffle. The aircraft had been scheduled to fly to Sarasota, Florida, later in the day.
During the investigation, Senior Trooper K. Jake Macchia of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the Federal Aviation Administration was on scene throughout Thursday, and the National Transportation Safety Board will arrive Friday to lead the investigation. Members of the State Highway Patrol will continue to secure the scene through the NTSB's investigative process.
Biffle won 19 races during his 15-year NASCAR Cup Series career, which spanned 515 starts, nearly all for car owner Jack Roush. He won championships in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2002 and the Craftsman Truck Series in 2000. Biffle was nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024 and was recognized as one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers.
In 2024, Biffle received the NMPA Myers Brothers Award for outstanding contributions to stock-car racing for his extensive aid to Western North Carolina mountain communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Using his skills as a licensed helicopter pilot, Biffle spent months coordinating relief efforts, flying supply missions, and helping locate stranded residents in remote mountain areas.
Craig Wadsworth, who also died in the crash, had worked with Biffle on Hurricane Helene relief efforts, helping deliver supplies to affected areas across the region.
Further details related to the crash investigation will be provided by the NTSB.
