UPDATE: Reports Say NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle and Family Were Aboard Jet That Crashed in
What We Know So Far About Reports of Greg Biffle’s Death
Reports circulating online state that former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle has died in a
plane crash in North Carolina at the age of 55.
The crash involved a Cessna Citation || (C550) jet that went down near Statesville
Regional Airport after an apparent emergency landing attempt shortly after takeoff.
According to multiple witness accounts, the aircraft experienced trouble almost immediately after departure, with a loud noise reported before the pilot attempted to return to the airport.
The jet ultimately crashed before landing, prompting a large emergency response from local fire, medical, and law enforcement agencies.
Several media outlets and social media posts have claimed that Biffle, his wife, anc members of his family were aboard the aircraft.
At this time, official confirmation of the identities of the victims must come from authorities, typically after next-of-kin notifications are completed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation.
They are expected to examine mechanical records, flight data, weather conditions, and eyewitness testimony.
Greg Biffle’s Friend Says NASCAR
Champion, Wife and Kids Were on Plane Thät Crashed with Multiple Fatalities
A preliminary statement from officials has confirmed fatalities in the crash, but full details are still pending.
Greg Biffle’s Legacy
Greg Biffle is widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s most respected drivers of his era.
Over a long career, he competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series, earning championships and multiple race wins.
Beyond racing, he became known in recent years for his humanitarian efforts.
Following severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, Biffle and his wife
reportedly used their helicopter to assist with rescue missions and supply deliveries
across North Carolina, helping stranded families and emergency crews.
Those actions earned him praise far bevond the motorsports world.
Community Reaction
The NASCAR community has responded with shock and grief.
Fans, fellow drivers, and teams have shared messages honoring Biffle not only as a
competitor, but as a leader and humanitarian.
Many posts describe him as someone who consistently stepped up when others
needed help.
As one widely shared message stated:
“NASCAR has lost a leader and a humanitarian.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities stress that this remains a developing situation.
The NTSB will release updates as verified information becomes available, and a
final accident report could take months.
Until then, officials urge patience and respect for the families affected.
Statesville Regional Airport confirmed an “aircraft incident” at approximately 10:15 a. m.
Statesville officials confirmed the airport will be closed until further notice while
investigators work to determine the cause of the crash and clear the scene.
A source briefed on the situation told CNN that six people — a pilot and five others
— were killed in the crash.
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell confirmed to WMY News 2 that “several” people died, but didn’t say how many people were on board the plane.
Officials haven’t identified those killed in the crash.
A federal source with knowledge of the crash also told CNN that a person
associated with NASCAR was on board the plane.
Garrett Mitchell, whose internet personality is Cleetus McFarland, confirmed that Biffle, along with his wife, Cristina and two children, were on the plane.
Mitchell said the family was flying down to Florida to visit him.
McFarland and Biffle became friends when Biffle organized flights to carry relief
supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in western North Carolina.
Biffle also participated in several of Mitchell’s racing events.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane,” Mitchell posted on Facebook.
“Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are
devastated.
I’m so sorry to share this.”
Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace posted that Craig Wadsworth, a longtime figure in the NASCAR community, was on the plane.
Wallace shared a photo of Wadsworth, saying he drove Wallace’s motorhome for six years.
FAA registration indicates the plane’s tail number, N257BW, is owned by GB
Aviation Leasing, a company owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Officials have not provided any details on who may have been on board the plane.
The NTSB will hold a news conference Friday with the latest details on the
investigation.
The plane was en route to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport before it
crashed. Paul L. Hoback Jr.
issued the following statement on the crash:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the Cessna C550 aircraft crash at
Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina and enroute to SRQ this morning.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those on board and with their families and loved ones during this difficult time.
Our thoughts also go out to the first responders who we know are diligently working to assist all those involved.”
Statesville City Manager Ron Smith confirmed that local, state and federal organizations are on the scene.
“Everybody is here on site at this point and we anticipate this will be going for quite some time,” Smith said.
Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich shared an animation of the flight path.
The plane immediately turned around and tried to land. It crashed while attempting to land back at the airport.
