Newly released footage shows final moments of crash that killed Greg Biffle and his family

The video has intensified grief across the NASCAR community as families mourn the loss of all seven victims
PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO
New footage captures the final moments before a plane crash claimed the lives of NASCAR great Greg Biffle, his wife, and five others (X @nicksortor and AP Photo)
New footage captures the final moments before a plane crash claimed the lives of NASCAR great Greg Biffle, his wife, and five others (X @nicksortor and AP Photo)


STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: Newly released footage from December 18, Thursday's fatal plane crash has shed light on the final moments before a Cessna C550 went down at Statesville Regional Airport, killing retired NASCAR legend and humanitarian Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina and five others.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond.



New footage captures final moments before deadly crash

The footage, which emerged hours after the crash, shows the aircraft struggling. The crash happened near the runway, and emergency crews responded immediately, but there were no survivors.



Authorities have not released further details about the footage, citing the ongoing investigation.

 Seven people were killed in the crash, including Biffle, 55; his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle; their five-year-old son Ryder; and his 14-year-old daughter Emma, whom he shared with ex-wife Nicole Lunders.

The identities of the three other victims were later confirmed as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.

In a joint statement shared by Fox Sports motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass, the families said, “We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”



“Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg's daughter Emma (mother - Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”

The statement added, “Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.”

Plane was en route to Florida before turning back

The Cessna C550 took off shortly after 10 am and was bound for Sarasota, Florida, before attempting to return to the airport.

Family friend Garrett Mitchell confirmed the family was aboard the plane.

“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane,” Mitchell wrote on Facebook. “Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this.”

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 19: Greg Biffle, driver of the #44 Grambling State University Chevrolet, waits in the garage area during practice for NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Greg Biffle, driver of the #44 Grambling State University Chevrolet, waits in the garage area during practice for NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Biffle, known as 'The Biff,' was a decorated NASCAR driver who won the Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series championship in 2002. He was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023 and received the 2024 NMPA Myers Brothers Award for humanitarian aid.

Greg Biffle holds his trophy while being sprayed with beer after winning the NASCAR Busch Series Championship Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter, File)
Greg Biffle holds his trophy while being sprayed with beer after winning the NASCAR Busch Series Championship Saturday, November 16, 2002, at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter, File)

Craig Wadsworth, another victim, was also well-known within the NASCAR circuit and had previously worked closely with driver Kenny Wallace. 

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