NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and family among 7 killed in plane crash in North Carolina

This story has been updated to reflect information about the victims and the crash. 

Update: George Biffle and members of his immediate family were on the plane, according to an NCSHP news release.

The families of the seven victims issued a joint statement, stating that Greg and his wife, Cristina, along with their son Ryder and Greg's daughter Emma, were among the victims. Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth were also killed. 

STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: A Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW, owned by former NASCAR star Greg Biffle, reportedly crashed at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, December 18.

Although the investigation is ongoing, the Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell announced that there were three fatalities initially. 

Garrett Michtell claims Greg Biffle was on board when plane crashed

Later, Garrett Mitchell, a friend of Biffle, took to social media to confirm that the NASCAR personality and his family were indeed on board.

Mitchell wrote in a Facebook post that he could confirm that Biffle and his family, including his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder, were on the plane.

“Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” he added. 

Mitchell further wrote that he was “devastated” and was “so sorry” to have to break the news. 

Officials provide update on North Carolina crash 

John Smith, the deputy manager of Statesville, along with several others, held a brief press conference at the Statesville regional airport to give the press an update on the recent crash.

He said that although there was not a lot of information yet, Smith confirmed that the city responded to the plane crash at 10.15 am and said it was a “multi-agency” response.

The deputy manager added that the city, the county, the state, and the federal agencies were involved in the investigation and revealed they anticipated that “this could go on for a while.” 

The National Transportation Safety Board took to X to announce that it was launching a team to investigate the crash. 

The post read that the team was expected to arrive on scene by Thursday night, December 18, and would be accompanied by spokesperson Michael Graham.

It also stated that the NTSB would hold a media conference on Friday, December 19 and that the details on the same would be shared on the X account. 

Greg Biffle’s NASCAR victories 

Biffle recorded 19 career wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, highlighted by a six-win season in 2005 when he finished second in the championship standings.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame even described Biffle as a “perennial playoff contender” throughout his career. 

He captured the Ford 400 at Homestead three straight years (2004–2006) and scored victories at 10 different Cup tracks overall.

Across NASCAR’s other national divisions, Biffle earned 20 wins and the 2002 championship in the Xfinity Series, along with 17 victories and the 2000 title in the Craftsman Truck Series.

He stepped away from full-time competition after 2016, then returned part-time in 2022, including a final start in the Daytona 500.

Biffle’s best Daytona 500 finishes were third place in 2010 and 2012.

Greg Biffle’s heroism during Hurricane Helene 

After stepping away from the racetrack, Biffle redirected his flying expertise toward humanitarian work.

In 2024, he personally piloted relief missions during Hurricane Helene, delivering critical supplies and satellite internet to isolated communities.

While airborne, he even identified a stranded family after spotting sunlight reflected from a mirror, allowing aid to reach them in time.

NASCAR also referred to his heroic personality when they announced his death.

“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," NASCAR said.

"On the track, Greg’s 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."