Statesville, North Carolina – The NASCAR world has been left reeling after multiple sources and local media reported that longtime NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife and children, were aboard a private Cessna Citation Il jet that crashed earlier today at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

While federal authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the emotional impact has already rippled far beyond the airport grounds, reaching every corner of the motorsports community.

Among the most moving reactions came from Dale Earnhardt Jr.

, who spoke openly and emotionally about the loss of a man he described as both a racing great and a rare human being.

“I still can’t believe we’ve lost him forever,” Earnhardt Jr. said.

“Greg was one of our 75 greatest drivers, and after his racing career, he became known for his relentless humanitarian work.”

A Tragic Flight

According to early reports, the aircraft encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff and attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing before crashing.

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the inquiry, which will include a review of flight data, aircraft maintenance records, and witness accounts.

Authorities have not yet released a final report, and officials have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

A Loss That Feels Personal

For many within NASCAR, the tragedy feels deeply personal. Earnhardt Jr.

revealed that he had seen Biffle just days before the crash.

“We were just together last week filming a talk show,” he said quietly.

“It hasn’t even aired yet.”

That revelation has added a painful layer of immediacy to the loss – a reminder of

how suddenly a familiar presence can vanish.

As he continued, Earnhardt Jr. summed up the heartbreak in words that quickly

spread across social media:

“A family of four… just gone forever.”

More Than a Driver

Greg Biffle, 55, earned respect over decades in NASCAR competition, racing in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series.

He was known not only for his on-track success, but also for his professionalism and quiet leadership in the garage.

Yet those closest to him say his most meaningful legacy came after he stepped away from full-time racing.

In recent years, Biffle and his wife became widely admired for their humanitarian

efforts, particularly in North Carolina.

Following severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, Biffle personally piloted his helicopter on multiple rescue and supply missions, helping evacuate stranded

residents and deliver essential aid when roads were impassable.

Friends and first responders have described him as someone who never sought

attention — only results.

A Final Revelation

In a detail that left many in the NASCAR community stunned, Earnhardt Jr.

shared that even on this final trip, Biffle was still motivated by service to others.

According to Earnhardt Jr.

, Biffle was traveling in connection with a charitable purpose, staying true to the values that had come to define his life beyond racing.

That revelation has deepened the sense of loss — and the respect.

An Outpouring of Grief

Tributes have poured in from drivers, teams, fans, and community members, may echoing the same sentiment: NASCAR has lost not just a champion, but a man of compassion and integrity.