Greg Biffle’s Family Breaks Silence After Fatal Plane Crash as Three Additional Victims Are Identified
The families of those killed in the devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children have spoken publicly for the first time, confirming the identities of all seven victims and honoring their lives.
The tragedy unfolded Thursday morning when a Cessna C550 business jet, owned by Biffle, crashed during a landing attempt at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. All seven people on board were killed.
In a joint statement shared by Fox Sports motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass, the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families expressed their collective grief and heartbreak.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” the statement read. “This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”
Remembering Greg Biffle and His Family
The families described Greg and Cristina Biffle as devoted parents and deeply committed philanthropists whose lives revolved around their children.
“Greg and Cristina were loving parents whose world centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma,” the statement said, noting that Emma, 14, whom Biffle shared with his ex-wife Nicole Lunders, was “a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many.”
Five-year-old Ryder was remembered as “active, curious, and endlessly joyful,” a child whose energy and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
The Additional Victims Identified
The families also confirmed the identities of the three other individuals killed in the crash.
“Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved, and their loss is felt by all who knew them,” the statement said. “Craig Wadsworth was beloved within the NASCAR community and will be deeply missed.”
Wadsworth was a familiar figure around the racing circuit and had previously worked closely with several NASCAR drivers, including serving as a motorhome driver for Kenny Wallace, according to social media posts he shared during his career.
“Each of them meant everything to us,” the families added. “Their absence leaves an immeasurable void. Right now, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
Details of the Crash
According to the Associated Press, the Cessna C550 crashed at approximately 10:15 a.m. while attempting to land in adverse weather conditions. The aircraft reportedly exploded into a fireball upon impact.
Flight tracking data indicates the plane had departed Statesville shortly after 10 a.m. and was attempting to return to the airport. Family friend Garrett Mitchell later confirmed on Facebook that the group had been traveling to Florida.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane,” Mitchell wrote. “They were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated.”
According to FlightAware, the aircraft was bound for Sarasota, Florida.
Greg Biffle’s Racing and Humanitarian Legacy
Nicknamed “The Biff,” Greg Biffle was one of the most accomplished drivers of his generation. He won championships in the NASCAR Truck Series (2000) and the Xfinity Series (2002), becoming one of only a handful of drivers to claim titles across multiple divisions.
A native of Vancouver, Washington, Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. In 2024, he received the prestigious NMPA Myers Brothers Award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts, particularly his hands-on disaster relief work.
Beyond the racetrack, Biffle was widely admired for using his resources and aviation skills to help others, a commitment that defined his life after retirement.
As investigations into the crash continue, families, friends, and fans across the racing world are united in mourning — remembering seven lives lost too soon, and a legacy defined not only by championships, but by compassion, generosity, and love.
