NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle, Family Killed in North Carolina Plane Crash

PUBLISHED Sep 2, 2026, 9:55 AM ET

NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and four others died Thursday morning when a Cessna C550 private jet crashed near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The aircraft took off from the airport and attempted to return shortly before crashing near the runway, resulting in a fatal fire. Federal authorities are investigating the cause of the incident. Among the confirmed victims are Biffle's daughter Emma and their two-year-old son Ryder, alongside Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Jack Dutton. The families released a joint statement expressing profound grief over the sudden tragedy. YouTuber Garrett McFarland confirmed the family was scheduled to visit him that day. Biffle accumulated 19 NASCAR Cup Series victories and secured championships in both the Xfinity and Truck Series. Local authorities, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration continue examining operational and mechanical factors surrounding the unexpected flight turnback and subsequent accident.

By James Porter | JQJO News

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