Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Former NASCAR Driver and Family

Fri Dec 19 2025 20:22:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, alongside his family, died in a tragic plane crash in North Carolina. The incident claimed seven lives in total, raising concerns over aviation safety.

A Cessna C550 plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family. The plane crashed while landing around 10:20 AM local time. NASCAR expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Biffle, a beloved figure in the racing community known for his passion, integrity, and humanitarian efforts.

A former Nascar driver and his family were among the seven people killed in a plane crash at a regional airport in North Carolina, the car-racing organisation has said.

A highway patrol spokesman said people on the ground confirmed that Greg Biffle was among those who boarded the plane.

The Cessna C550 crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:20 local time (15:20GMT), officials investigating the incident told reporters.

Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many, Nascar said in a statement where it confirmed Biffle had died along with his wife, daughter, son, and three others.

His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport, the company added.

Beyond the racetrack, Biffle was remembered for helping in North Carolina in the aftermath of last year's Hurricane Helene, when he used his personal helicopter to rescue stranded residents and deliver supplies.

Tributes to the former racer poured in on Thursday. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein commented, Heartbreaking news out of Statesville... Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion.
Motorsport YouTuber Garrett Mitchell shared that Biffle and his family were en route to spend time with him when the crash occurred.

Statesville Airport Director John Ferguson described the aircraft as a corporate jet that was engulfed in flames upon arrival at the scene. The Cessna C550 aircraft was owned by a private company associated with Biffle.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash as Statesville Airport remains closed until further notice.

Biffle's distinguished racing career spanned two decades, during which he was honored as one of Nascar's 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. He won 19 Cup Series races and made significant achievements in the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series. Known as The Biff, he gained national attention during the 1995 Nascar Winter Heat Series and eventually received multiple Rookie of the Year awards.

As investigations continue, the community grieves for their lost champion and his family.