Newly released footage shows final moments of crash that killed Greg Biffle and his family
🚨 JUST IN: TERRIFYING new footage of the plane crash which kiIIed NASCAR legend and humanitarian Greg Biffle earlier today
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 18, 2025
Seven people are confirmed deceased, including Greg, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder
Keep their family in your prayers tonight 🙏🏻
h/t… pic.twitter.com/hOsqyVIfvZ
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.
The NASCAR family is devastated at the loss of Greg Biffle, who was one of our 75 greatest drivers and became known for his relentless post-career humanitarian work.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 18, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/Q7nh6ug1iW
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.
Greg Biffle, his wife, and his children were on board.
— The Redheaded libertarian (@TRHLofficial) December 18, 2025
You always want to pray for survivors when something like this happens, but the chances are so negligible. We just have to pray that it happened so fast that those sweet children felt no pain or fear
pic.twitter.com/BDbNwXpVrJ
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.”
Statement from the Greg Biffle families on the plane crash today: pic.twitter.com/dEgaHF6qQV
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 18, 2025
“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.”
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.
Craig Wadsworth, another victim, was also well-known within the NASCAR circuit and had previously worked closely with driver Kenny Wallace.