The 55-year-old NASCAR legend Greg Biffle died in a small-jet crash at the Statesville airport, killing his wife, two children, and four others.
## A Hall of Fame-Nominated Champion
Greg Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers in history and was a Hall of Fame nominee. Over an 18-year career he won championships in both the national Truck and Xfinity Series-making him the first driver to do so. He spent almost his entire career with Roush Fenway Racing, headquartered about 40 miles south of the crash site.
## A Humanitarian in the Sky
Biffle’s love of flying led him to become a helicopter pilot after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. In 2024 he received the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award for his humanitarian aid. He flew his personal helicopter to deliver supplies, landing in remote mountains after a trapped man signaled him with a mirror. “I had no idea at that point in time how devastating this storm was,” Biffle explained later. “What started out to be rescuing one family … turned into 4,000 messages. … It went viral.”
## The Tragic Crash
Authorities say the small jet crashed at the Statesville airport north of Charlotte. Biffle, 55, was believed to be among seven people killed, including his wife Cristina and their children Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5.
A joint statement released on behalf of the victims read: “This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.” It added that 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.” The statement identified the others on board as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, all “beloved by many in the NASCAR community.” It concluded: “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.”
## Community Response
The loss sent shockwaves through the auto-racing world. Team owner Jack Roush posted on social media: “I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program. His contributions to our race team over the years are immeasurable.”
NASCAR described Biffle as “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many.” The series also highlighted his humanitarian work, noting that “Most notably, Greg spent countless hours helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.”
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein praised Biffle for his “courage and compassion” and for aiding hurricane victims. Former Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon wrote on social media: “I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.”
U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina posted: “The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were.”
The YouTuber and race-car driver Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, said the Biffle family was on its way to spend Thursday afternoon with him in Florida. Mitchell wrote on Facebook: “We are devastated.”
## Legacy and Career Highlights
Biffle’s racing résumé is impressive. He made over 800 starts across NASCAR’s three national series, winning the Truck Series title in 2000 and the Xfinity title in 2002. He captured 54 victories, including 19 at the Cup Series level. In 2005 he finished second in the championship standings to Tony Stewart, his best season. Three years later he became the first driver to win two playoff races in a single year.
He debuted in the Cup Series in 2002, earning his seat with Roush through the team’s “Gong Show” selection process. After semi-retirement in 2016, he returned in 2022 to run five races, including the Daytona 500, at age 52.
Beyond racing, Biffle spent his retirement fabricating cars in his shop, running a quarry in Virginia, and keeping up with his children. Less than a week before the crash, he posted a video of his family-Emma, Ryder, and Cristina-picking out a Christmas tree and enjoying an ice-cream outing. “It’s been a successful day,” Biffle said. “Now it’s time to get the decorations out and get her going.”
## Key Takeaways
– Greg Biffle, a Hall-of-Fame-nominated NASCAR driver, died in a small-jet crash that also killed his wife and two children.
– He was a noted humanitarian, using his helicopter to deliver supplies after Hurricane Helene and receiving the Myers Brothers Award.
– The racing community, including NASCAR, Roush Fenway Racing, and fellow drivers, mourned his loss and celebrated his legacy.
## Closing
Greg Biffle’s life was defined by speed on the track and compassion in the skies. His sudden death has left a void in the racing world and in the communities he served. As fans and colleagues reflect on his achievements, his memory endures as a reminder of the power of dedication, both behind the wheel and beyond it.
