NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle, Wife, & Children Killed In North Carolina Plane Crash
on Dec 18, 2025
Private Plane Owned By Greg Biffle Crashes In North Carolina
At approximately 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, December 18th, a Cessna C550 business jet crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport north of Charlotte, North Carolina.
A local official confirmed to Fox News that an aircraft, with the tail number N257BW, crashed at the end of the runway. According to FlightAware data, the plane had turned around and was attempting to land back at the airport shortly after takeoff.
The jet was operated by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, which is owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Early reports indicated that six individuals were on board at the time of the incident. That number was later confirmed to be seven.
The FAA and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office reported “multiple fatalities” as a result of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating. The agency shared:
“NTSB is launching a go team to investigate the fatal crash of a Cessna Citation C550 jet in Statesville, North Carolina. The team expects to arrive on scene tonight.”
See footage from the fatal crash involving Greg Biffle’s plane in the video below.
@abc11news Several people are dead after a small private jet crashed shortly after takeoff in Statesville, North Carolina, according to a local sheriff's office official. Link in bio.
♬ original sound – ABC11
Greg Biffle And Family Lost In Plane Crash, Additional Victims Identified
Local sources and a family friend reported that Biffle, his wife, and children were on board the plane when it went down. Congressman Richard Hudson confirmed the heartbreaking news that Greg, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder died in the crash. He wrote:
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans.”
Shortly after, an official statement was shared by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders Families. The statement confirmed that, in addition to the Biffle family, Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth were also killed.
The families expressed profound devastation and shared a brief tribute to each of their loved ones who were lost. Read the full statement below.
Joint Statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders Families regarding the plane crash today.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) December 18, 2025
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/jm10YNKlVD
Remembering The Victims
55-year-old Greg Biffle was one of the few drivers to win championships across the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2000), the NASCAR Xfinity Series (2002), and the NASCAR Cup Series (2nd overall in 2005). His last full-time Cup Series season was 2016, and he stepped away from NASCAR competition without a formal retirement announcement.
Biffle had been married to his wife, Cristina Grossu, since 2023. The couple was described as loving parents and generous philanthropists who dedicated their time to helping others. They share a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who is remembered as an “active, curious, and infinitely joyful child.”
Biffle also has a daughter, Emma, 14, with ex-wife Nicole Lunders. Emma was known for her kind soul and was loved by many.
Dennis Dutton was a pilot for Delta Airlines and a close family friend of the Biffles. He served as a retired pilot officer with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. His son, Jack, was a hard-working young man who was following in his father’s footsteps, having just received his pilot’s license.
Craig Wadsworth was a deeply respected figure in the NASCAR community. He worked closely with Greg Biffle and previously spent six years as the motorhome driver for former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace.
