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New details are emerging following the tragic plane crash that killed NASCAR<\/a> champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children, and three others on Thursday (Dec. 18).<\/p>\n The crash occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. ET<\/a> as a Cessna C550 business jet attempted to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.<\/p>\n According to officials, the plane had taken off just minutes earlier\u2014around 10:06 a.m.\u2014and appeared to attempt a return due to inclement weather. Witnesses said the plane exploded into a fireball on impact<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Who Were Greg Biffle\u2019s Wife + Kids? Late Driver\u2019s Fans Knew Them Well<\/a><\/p>\n FlightAware tracking data<\/a> shows the jet was en route to Sarasota, Florida, with the group reportedly continuing on to the Bahamas\u2014a favorite vacation spot for the Biffle family, and the place where Greg and Cristina were married in 2022.<\/p>\n Seven people were killed in the crash:<\/p>\n Records show that at least two certified pilots were on the plane: Greg himself and a professional airline pilot.<\/p>\n Moments before the crash, Cristina Grossu Biffle sent a chilling text to her mother, Cathy Grossu.<\/p>\n \u201cShe texted me from the plane and she said, \u2018We\u2019re in trouble.\u2019 And that was it,\u201d Cathy told People<\/em><\/a>. \u201cSo we\u2019re devastated. We\u2019re brokenhearted.\u201d<\/p>\n A joint statement from the families read<\/a>: \u201cEach of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives… We ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Racecar Driver Dies After Mid-Race Heart Attack<\/a><\/p>\n NASCAR also released a statement<\/a>: \u201cNASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.\u201d<\/p>\n Known affectionately as “The Biff,” Greg Biffle was a beloved NASCAR veteran with championship wins in the Truck Series (2000) and Xfinity Series (2002). In 2023, he was named one of NASCAR\u2019s 75 Greatest Drivers.<\/p>\n But off the track, Biffle was just as admired for his humanitarian work.<\/p>\n After Hurricane Helene, he used his personal helicopter to fly emergency supplies<\/a>, food, fuel, medical equipment\u2014even baby formula and EpiPens\u2014to remote North Carolina communities cut off by floodwaters.<\/p>\n In 2024, he was honored with the NMPA Myers Brothers Award for his dedication to service.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,\u201d Rep. Rick Hudson, a close family friend, wrote on X<\/a>. \u201cGreg was an extraordinary person\u2026 he\u2019ll be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.\u201d<\/p>\n The FAA arrived at the crash site<\/a> shortly after noon on Thursday and is now leading the investigation. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.<\/p>\n This list proves that small risks an artist takes each time they travel to a show adds up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat Happened?<\/h3>\n
Who Was Onboard?<\/h3>\n
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Cristina\u2019s Final Message<\/h3>\n
Tributes and Family Statements<\/h3>\n
Remembering Greg Biffle<\/h3>\n
Ongoing Investigation<\/h3>\n
11 Country Singers Who Died in Plane Crashes<\/h2>\n