NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, died in a plane crash on Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The incident involved his family members aboard the aircraft.
Biffle, who earned 56 career wins in NASCAR’s national series including two championships, was reportedly traveling to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in Florida when the Cessna C550 business jet crashed while landing at approximately 10:15 a.m. local time.
The Federal Aviation Administration arrived on scene around noon for an investigation. Iredell County officials confirmed multiple fatalities, with the county sheriff stating that several people died in the crash.
Family friends and witnesses reported that Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were aboard the plane. According to North Carolina State Highway Patrol reports, a total of seven individuals perished in the accident. Flight logs indicated the plane was traveling over 100 mph at the time of impact.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport’s CEO issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the Cessna C550 aircraft crash… Our thoughts and prayers are with those on board and their families.”
Biffle, who was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023, last made competitive appearances in the national series during the 2022 season. He had previously collaborated with YouTuber Garrett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland) to deliver disaster relief supplies after Hurricane Helene.
Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina shared his devastation: “I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children… They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others.”
