In a heartbreaking turn of events, NASCAR legend Greg Biffle has died after his private jet went down in a fiery crash in North Carolina, according to close friends and aviation sources.
Crash Details Emerge
The incident happened Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport, roughly 45 minutes from Charlotte.
Aviation records indicate the Cessna C550, owned by the 55-year-old racing icon, crashed while attempting to land around 10:15 a.m.
The plane, bound for Sarasota, Florida, was reportedly engulfed in flames as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
The exact number of people onboard remains unclear, but multiple fatalities were reported.
Family Confirmed on Board
Biffle’s friend Garrett Mitchell shared the devastating news on social media Thursday afternoon.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Mitchell wrote on Facebook.
He added he wasn’t sure if Biffle’s daughter, Emma, was also aboard.
The loss has shaken friends and fans alike, many of whom knew Biffle through his racing career and social media appearances.
A Glimpse Into Biffle’s Life
Greg Biffle, born in Vancouver, Washington, earned the nickname “The Biff” in the racing world. He began his career in the Pacific Northwest before rising to prominence in NASCAR.
Biffle’s love for flying was well documented—he even posted a photo of himself piloting the same Cessna just this past September.
He was married twice: first to Nicol
e Lunders, with whom he shares a teenage daughter, Emma Elizabeth, and later to Cristina Grossu in January 2023.
The couple had a five-year-old son, Ryder. Cristina is a realtor, CEO of My Replica Ring, and runs a travel agency called CG Luxe Travel.
Moments Before the Tragedy
Just a day before the crash, Cristina Grossu posted photos on Instagram hinting at a busy day and sharing an inspirational quote from Martha Stewart.
The family often shared glimpses of their life together online, especially around racing and family events.
Biffle’s Heroic Side
Biffle was known not only for his racing achievements but also for his humanitarian efforts.
Last year, he piloted his plane around North Carolina to assist stranded citizens and deliver emergency relief during Hurricane Helene.
A History of Plane Incidents
Tragically, this is not the first time Biffle has been involved in an aviation scare.
Ten years ago, he survived a minor crash at Kentucky’s Lexington Airport when a landing-gear malfunction caused his plane to collapse.
Biffle praised the pilots, calling them “heroes” for preventing a more serious accident.
NASCAR’s Grim History With Planes
Biffle’s death adds to a long list of tragic losses in NASCAR aviation history.
Legends like Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, Richie Panch, Curtis Turner, and Jack Roush all died in plane accidents.
In 2004, a devastating crash in Virginia claimed the lives of 10 Hendrick Motorsports team members, including family members of the team’s leadership.
A Community in Mourning
Fans, friends, and fellow racers have expressed shock and sorrow over the loss.
The racing community remembers Greg Biffle not just for his speed on the track, but for his generosity, warmth, and commitment to helping others.
As investigations continue, many are left reflecting on the fragility of life and the legacy Biffle leaves behind in both racing and his community.
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