(NewsNation) — Semi-retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday.
In a joint statement, the families confirmed the deaths of Greg and Cristina Biffle, their son Ryder and daughter Emma, along with Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” the statement reads. “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.”
Plane crashed after circling back to land
The Cessna C550 crashed on the tarmac of the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina around 10:20 a.m. local time while attempting to land.
The airport’s website says they offer corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an investigation into the crash, with a “go team” scheduled to arrive on the scene this evening.
NewsNation affiliate WJZY reported the airport is closed until further notice, and crews said it would take time to clear debris on the runway. According to tracking data cited by WJZY, the plane, bound for Sarasota, Florida, had taken off minutes earlier before circling back to land.
Greg Biffle’s impact on North Carolina
Biffle is a 19-time winner of NASCAR’s Cup Series and the first driver to win championships on the Xfinity Series and Truck Series.
An experienced pilot, Biffle used his private helicopter to help deliver supplies to North Carolina residents stranded by flooding brought on by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. NewsNation interviewed Biffle about his relief efforts in the region.
“I’ve seen some really tough stuff,” Biffle told NewsNation. “Roads and bridges — gone and washed out. Not just one road or one area. I mean, it’s hundreds of miles.”
NASCAR hails Greg Biffle in statement
“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,” NASCAR said in a statement.
“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. His tireless work saved lives.”
FILE – Greg Biffle smiles during NASCAR Daytona 500 auto racing media day at Daytona International Speedway, Feb. 16, 2022, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) 
Greg Biffle practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, in Brooklyn, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) 
Former driver Greg Biffle waves to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
‘Heartbreaking news’: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein released a statement on social media Thursday, praising Biffle.
“Heartbreaking news out of Statesville. 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,” he wrote.
The NY Racing Team also expressed condolences.
“NY Racing Team is deeply saddened by the loss of our former teammate, Greg Biffle, alongside his beloved family. May his memory continue to be a blessing to all those who knew him and supported him during his NASCAR career. Our hearts are with his family, friends and fans,” the team said on the social platform X.