NASCAR Mourns the Loss of Greg Biffle: Champion and Family Perish in North Carolina Plane Crash

STATESVILLE, North Carolina — The NASCAR community is in deep mourning following the tragic death of retired champion Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their two young children. The family was among six people killed when their private aircraft crashed during a landing attempt in heavy fog on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Rep. Richard Hudson, a close family friend, confirmed the devastating news via X (formerly Twitter), paying tribute to the Biffles’ character and legacy both on and off the track.

The Details of the Fatal Accident

• The Incident: The aircraft, a Cessna C550, was attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:15 a.m. local time.
• The Conditions: The area was experiencing significant foggy weather, which is being investigated as a primary factor in the crash.
• The Victims: Greg Biffle was traveling with his wife Cristina, their 14-year-old daughter Emma, and their 5-year-old son Ryder. All family members, along with two others on board, perished when the plane erupted in a fireball.
• Destination: The family was reportedly en route to Florida when the accident occurred.

A Legacy of Championship Grit and Humanitarian Service

Greg Biffle was more than a celebrated athlete; he was a pillar of the North Carolina community.

• The Champion: Biffle was a storied figure in NASCAR history, holding the distinction of being the first driver to win championships in both the Truck Series (2000) and the Xfinity Series (2002), alongside 19 career wins in the Cup Series.
• The Humanitarian: In his final months, Biffle earned national acclaim for his tireless relief efforts during Hurricane Helene, using his aviation skills to deliver supplies to cut-off mountain communities.
• The Family’s Heart: Rep. Hudson highlighted the family’s selflessness, noting that Cristina Biffle had recently reached out to assist with relief efforts in Jamaica. “They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” Hudson stated.