{"id":363673,"date":"2025-12-23T11:36:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T11:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/363673\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T11:36:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T11:36:20","slug":"retired-nascar-driver-greg-biffle-and-family-among-7-killed-in-north-carolina-plane-crash-wral-com","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/363673\/","title":{"rendered":"Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family among 7 killed in North Carolina plane crash :: WRAL.com"},"content":{"rendered":"

A business jet with the family of NASCAR great Greg Biffle on board crashed Thursday at a regional airport in Iredell County, erupting in a large fire and killing seven people.<\/p>\n

A statement confirmed the deaths of Biffle, his wife Cristina, son Ryder and daughter Emma, along with Dennis and Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth.<\/p>\n

Statement from the Greg Biffle families on the plane crash today: pic.twitter.com\/dEgaHF6qQV<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 18, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n

Garrett Mitchell, known online as YouTube star “Cleetus McFarland,” posted to Facebook<\/a> that Biffle, his wife and children had been on their way to visit him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NASCAR issued a statement of condolences:<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\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. 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. On the track, Greg\u2019s 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. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg\u2019s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”\u2013 NASCAR statement<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tKnown for generosity off the track<\/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<\/a> 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,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, said.<\/p>\n

Wadsworth was Biffle’s 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

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

\t\t\t\t\t\tBiffle plane crashed on attempt to land\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Cessna C550 took off from Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. but then returned and was attempting to land there, 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, \u2018Oh my gosh! That\u2019s way too low,\u2019\u201d said Joshua Green of Mooresville. \u201cIt was scary.\u201d<\/p>\n

AccuWeather says there was some drizzle and clouds at the time of the crash.<\/p>\n

Greg Feith, former senior air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board told WRAL News that there are several elements that need to be investigated, including whether the crash was the result of an engine failure and\/or foggy weather conditions. He said investigators will also need to determine who was flying the plane and why the plane could not have be landed successfully. As they work to figure out what caused the crash, investigators will also look through the mechanical history of the Cessna 550<\/p>\n

The plane had planned to fly later from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, data showed.<\/p>\n

Video from WSOC-TV showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near scattered wreckage from the plane.<\/p>\n

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