Tragedy in America: Famous Driver Dies in Plane Crash With His Family

Former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and members of his family were killed when a Cessna Citation jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, according to U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson.

A fatal plane crash occurred Thursday morning near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, claiming multiple lives. Authorities confirmed the aircraft went down around 10:15 a.m. local time during an attempted landing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is investigating the incident, with assistance from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also responding and is expected to provide an update Friday. The airport has been closed until further notice.

According to FAA records, the aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation, a small passenger jet registered to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Flight-tracking data indicates the plane was bound for Sarasota, Florida.

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) confirmed in a post on X that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children were among those aboard and were killed in the crash. In a statement, Hudson described the Biffles as close friends dedicated to helping others, noting their extensive humanitarian work.

Hudson said the Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, using their own aircraft to assist with relief efforts. He added that Cristina had reached out just weeks ago asking how she could help with humanitarian work in Jamaica.

Greg Biffle, 55, was one of NASCAR’s most prominent drivers of his era. He competed professionally from 2002 to 2016, making 515 starts, earning 19 wins and 13 pole positions. He won the Truck Series (2000), was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year (2001), and captured the Xfinity Series title (2002). Biffle finished runner-up in the Cup Series in 2005, was named among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023, and was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2025.

He is survived by a five-year-old son from his current marriage and a 14-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.