WATCH Tragedy in Statesville: NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle and Family Killed in Fiery Private Jet Crash
In an unimaginable tragedy that has rocked the sports world, NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife, and their two children were killed when their private jet crashed and exploded during an emergency landing attempt in North Carolina.
A Heartbreaking Final Flight
The disaster occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The aircraft, a Cessna C550 business jet registered to Biffle’s company, GB Aviation Leasing, had just departed the Statesville airport and was reportedly en route to Sarasota, Florida. Flight tracking data indicates the plane took off at 10:06 a.m. but quickly attempted to return to the airport, possibly due to a mechanical failure or visibility issues.
As the jet attempted to land, it crashed and was immediately engulfed in a massive fireball. First responders rushed to the runway, but the intensity of the flames left little hope for survivors. Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell confirmed multiple fatalities at the scene, though officials were initially slow to release names.
Confirmed Victims and Community Grief
The tragic news was confirmed by Garrett Mitchell, the popular internet personality known as Cleetus McFarland, who was a close friend of the Biffles. Mitchell revealed that Greg, 55, his wife Cristina Grossu, their 14 year old daughter Emma, and their 5 year old son Ryder were all on board. "Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane, because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us," Mitchell posted in a gut-wrenching Facebook update. "We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this."
Additional reports indicate that a total of six people were killed in the crash. Among the other victims was Craig Wadsworth, a well known figure in the NASCAR community who previously drove motorhomes for racing stars like Kenny Wallace.
A Legacy of Bravery and Speed
Greg Biffle, nicknamed "The Biff," was a titan of NASCAR, winning 19 Cup Series races and standing as the first driver to ever win championships in both the Truck and Xfinity series. Beyond the track, the Biffles were recently hailed as heroes for their relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, where they used their own aircraft to deliver life saving supplies to stranded families.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Statesville Regional Airport, a hub for several NASCAR teams and corporate aviation, remained closed as investigators combed through the wreckage. The loss of a man who spent his life defying danger on the track, only to perish alongside his family while helping others, has left a void in the hearts of millions of racing fans worldwide.