Greg Biffle’s wife, kids among those killed in plane crash: ‘We are devastated’

Officials confirmed that multiple people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, were killed when a Cessna C550 jet crashed Thursday around 10:20 a.m. while landing at the Statesville Regional Airport.

Greg Biffle’s wife, children aboard plane

What they're saying:

According to a joint statement released by the victims' families, there were seven people aboard the plane, including Biffle and his family.

"We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words," the Biffle's family wrote in a statement on Thursday.  "Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders)." 

They added: "Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child. Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him. Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.

We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another."

The statement also identified the other victims as Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and Dutton's son, Jack, all "beloved by many in the NASCAR community."

"Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives," the statement said.

Wadsworth, a longtime behind-the-scenes employee with several NASCAR teams, was friends with Biffle and had helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene a year ago, according to Wadsworth's roommate, Benito Howell.

Earlier, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C. wrote on X, "I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them." 

He continued: "They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track."

Greg and Cristina got married in January 2023 and share two children: daughter Emma, 14, from Greg’s previous marriage, and son Ryder, 4.

Who is Greg Biffle?

Dig deeper:

Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, known in the racing world as "The Biff," made a name for himself in the  NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, winning the 1998 Rookie of Year award and winning the series championship in 2000.

He went on to find success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and was named Rookie of the Year in 2001 and in 2002, winning the series championship and becoming the first driver to win  championships in both the Xfinity Series and Truck Series.  

During his racing time, Biffle won 54 races across NASCAR's three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. Biffle finished in the top 10 in the standings six times, including a runner-up finish in 2005. Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.

Biffle was 55-years-old and would have turned 56 on Dec. 23.