Greg Biffle, family members killed in North Carolina plane crash
Wire Reports — NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Greg Biffle was reportedly killed in a plane crash Thursday morning, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Around 10:15 a.m., an aircraft crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, they confirmed in a post on their Facebook page.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the investigation alongside the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. They described the aircraft as a small passenger jet.
The NCSHP said that the plane had taken off from the airport and then turned back to land.
The plane that crashed appears to be a Cessna Citation that is owned by the former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, according to FAA paperwork.
Flight tracking data indicates the Cessna was bound for Sarasota, Florida.
Trooper Chris Knox described the crash as “a tragedy you can’t fathom this time of year.”
Racing fans know as one of the preeminent drivers of his era.
The 55-year-old Biffle, nicknamed “The Biff,” competed professionally in NASCAR from 2002 until 2016, according to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Over the course of his career, he made 515 starts, won 19 races and had 13 poles. Biffle won the Truck Series in 2000, won the NASCAR Rookie of the Year in 2001 and won the Xfinity Series in 2002.
Biffle was named as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. He was also nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2025 and was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2025.
Garrett Mitchell aka Cleetus McFarland, confirmed to that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their son Ryder were aboard the aircraft, as they were traveling to spend the afternoon with him. He expressed deep devastation over the incident.
Greg Biffle made national headlines when he and Cleetus McFarland used their helicopters to help NC and TN residents who were isolated from the world during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Multiple NASCAR officials have shared statements reflecting on Biffle’s legacy.
Clint Bowyer said he was “absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family,” and Chase Briscoe said, “Thoughts and prayers for the Biffle family.”
Greg Wallace suggested establishing an award in Biffle’s honor for the Cup Series driver “who best exemplifies Biffle’s humanitarian and charitable legacy.”