{"id":354656,"date":"2025-12-19T03:42:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T03:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/354656\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T03:42:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T03:42:08","slug":"nascar-driver-and-family-killed-in-n-c-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/354656\/","title":{"rendered":"NASCAR driver and family killed in N.C."},"content":{"rendered":"

Video shows emergency crews extinguishing flames after a business jet crashed landed at an airport in North Carolina. <\/p>\n

STATESVILLE, N.C. \u2014 A business jet crashed Thursday while trying to return to a North Carolina airport shortly after takeoff, killing all seven people aboard, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, authorities said.<\/p>\n

The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground. It had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles (72 kilometres) north of Charlotte, but soon crashed while trying to return and land, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.<\/p>\n

Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. The cause of the crash wasn\u2019t immediately known, nor was the reason for the plane\u2019s return to the airport in drizzle and cloudy conditions.<\/p>\n

\"\"Greg Biffle 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) <\/p>\n

Biffle was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, according to the highway patrol and a family statement. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,\u201d the joint family statement said.<\/p>\n

Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR\u2019s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.<\/p>\n

NASCAR said it was devastated by the news.<\/p>\n

NASCAR Statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cNASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.<\/p>\n

Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) December 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cGreg was more than a champion driver; he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,\u201d NASCAR said. \u201cHis passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

The plane, bound for Florida, took off from the Statesville airport shortly after 10 a.m., according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.<\/p>\n

Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was covered with debris.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were like, `Oh my gosh! That\u2019s way too low,\u201d’ said Joshua Green of Mooresville. \u201cIt was scary.\u201d<\/p>\n

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were investigating.<\/p>\n

\"\"First responders tend to the scene of a reported plane crash at a regional airport in Statesville, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo\/Matt Kelley) First responders tend to the scene of a reported plane crash at a regional airport in Statesville, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo\/Matt Kelley) (Matt Kelley) <\/p>\n

The Cessna plane, built in 1981, is a popular mid-sized business jet with an excellent reputation, aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said. It has two engines and typically seats six to eight passengers.<\/p>\n

In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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\u2019s who the Biffles were,\u201d U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, said.<\/p>\n

I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them.<\/p>\n

They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 Rep. Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) December 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Wadsworth was Biffle\u2019s friend and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene, roommate Benito Howell said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t know how to say no,\u201d Howell said of Wadsworth, who had worked for several NASCAR teams. \u201cHe loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n

The joint family statement also spoke about Dutton and his son Jack, saying they were \u201cdeeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.\u201d<\/p>\n

With 2025 almost over, there have been 1,331 U.S. crashes this year investigated by the NTSB, from two-seat planes to commercial aircraft, compared to a total of 1,482 in 2024.<\/p>\n

Major air disasters around the world in 2025 include the plane-helicopter collision that killed 67 in Washington, the Air India crash that killed 260 in India, and a crash in Russia\u2019s Far East that claimed 48 lives. Fourteen people, including 11 on the ground, died in a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky.<\/p>\n

By Allen G. Breed And Gary D. Robertson.<\/p>\n

Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Jenna Fryer in Charlotte, North Carolina; Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; Ed White in Detroit; and Sarah Brumfield in Washington contributed to this story.<\/p>\n