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STATESVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — Tragedy struck the NASCAR community when Hall of Fame nominee Greg Biffle perished in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, on Thursday. The crash also claimed the lives of his wife, son, daughter, and three other individuals, as confirmed by a statement from NASCAR.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. when an aircraft went down at Statesville Regional Airport, according to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
NASCAR identified the seven individuals who lost their lives in the crash and expressed their sorrow, stating:
- Greg Biffle
- Cristina Grossu (Biffle’s wife)
- Emma Elizabeth (Biffle’s daughter with former wife Nicole Lunders)
- Ryder Jack (Biffle’s son with Grossu)
- Craig Wadsworth
- Dennis Dutton (father)
- Jack Dutton (son)
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life,” part of the NASCAR statement expressed.
Born on December 23, 1969, to Garland Jack Biffle and Sally Frye, Greg passed away at the age of 55.
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – JUNE 18: Greg Biffle with his children during the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at Five Flags Speedway on June 18, 2022 in Pensacola, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/SRX/Getty Images) -
SLINGER, WISCONSIN – JULY 10: Greg Biffle #69 kisses his daughter before climbing into his car during the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at Slinger Speedway on July 10, 2021 in Slinger, Wisconsin. (Photo by Logan Riely/SRX via Getty Images) -
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Greg Biffle, driver of the #44 Grambling State University Chevrolet, waves to fans onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life,” the NASCAR statement reads in part.
Greg was born on Dec. 23, 1969, to parents Garland Jack Biffle and Sally Frye. He died at 55.
On Oct. 17, 2007, he married his first wife, Nicole Lunders. Emma Elizabeth, their daughter, was born on July 6, 2011. She died at age 14.
Greg and Nicole divorced in 2016, and Greg married Cristina Grossu in January 2023.
Greg and Cristina’s son, Ryder Jack, was born on Sept. 9, 2020. Ryder died at age 5.
Craig Wadsworth was beloved in the NASCAR community.
Driver Kenny Wallace said, “Craig Wadsworth drove … our motorhome for six years,” and his family is heartbroken.
Biffle’s family, alongside other families, shared a joint statement about the loss of their loved ones on Thursday afternoon:
Biffle’s Legacy
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.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame described Biffle as a “perennial playoff contender” throughout his career. He finished in the top 10 of the Cup Series standings on six occasions and was runner-up in 2005.
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.
Biffle was also known for using his own helicopter to help in relief efforts during Hurricane Helene.
