NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family tragically die in private plane crash near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina

This week, families and friends in North Carolina have received Christmas cards from NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family, delivering a poignant reminder of their tragic loss just days before the holiday.

The cards, mailed in early December, show Biffle and his loved ones smiling together in matching outfits, a vision of holiday joy frozen in time.

“I received this in the mail today,” wrote Ron Herbert, a local restaurateur and longtime friend of the racing community, sharing an image of the card on social media.

“My words can’t say enough about the family.”

The photograph inside the card shows Biffle with his wife Cristina and their children Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5, standing in front of a group of Christmas trees, laughing together.

The message reads: “We hope that you are able to slow down and enjoy the magic and joy that this season has to offer.

We hope you have a great New Year! Sending love, Greg, Cristina, Emma & Ryder.”

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Tragic Crash Claims Biffle Family and Friends

Just days after the cards were sent, the family perished in a private plane crash on Thursday morning.

Their Cessna C550 business jet went down while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport, roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte.

The aircraft had taken off around 10 a.m. for Florida but returned to the airport under unclear circumstances, exploding into flames on impact approximately 15 minutes after departure.

Three other people on board were also killed, including pilot Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, a longtime NASCAR motorhome driver and family friend.

“It’s impossible to put into words what this feels like,” one friend said.

“You open the mailbox expecting bills or junk—and instead you’re holding their smiles.”

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Investigation Underway as NTSB Seeks Answers

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed it is investigating the crash and providing support to grieving families.

Board member Michael Graham emphasized the challenges investigators face in understanding why the plane returned to the airport so soon after takeoff.

“Early indications from multiple sources suggest the airplane was stable on approach and configured for landing,” Graham said, “but the aircraft was coming in low.

We do not yet know the circumstances that led to the return.”

Federal Aviation Administration records show Biffle was rated to fly helicopters as well as single- and multi-engine aircraft.

Aviation attorney and former military pilot Dan Rose explained that such investigations often take years.

“The default for the NTSB is close to two years for a final report,” Rose said.

“Preliminary reports may come out within weeks, but they are usually very cursory.

Even with a high-profile crash like this, a final determination is unlikely to be made quickly.”

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Remembering a NASCAR Legend

Biffle, 55, was one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, winning more than 50 races across the sport’s three national series, including 19 Cup Series victories.

He captured championships in the Truck Series in 2000 and the Xfinity Series in 2002.

NASCAR expressed its devastation over the loss.

“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,” the organization said.

“His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”

In a statement following the tragedy, the family said: “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.”

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A Holiday Season Shadowed by Loss

For friends, fans, and fellow racers, the arrival of Biffle’s Christmas cards serves as a bittersweet reminder of the joy the family once shared.

In North Carolina, the images of laughter, love, and celebration now carry the weight of grief, highlighting how quickly life can change, even in the midst of holiday cheer.

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