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Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle and his family were among the victims of Thursday’s fatal plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
The plane was registered to GB Aviation LLC, a company owned by Biffle. The plane left the regional airport Thursday morning but was diverted back to Statesville and crashed during a landing attempt, authorities confirmed.
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (44) speaks to the press during the Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, on February 16, 2022. (Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports)
Biffles’ wife Cristina shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder – who were all on board with Dennis and Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth during the fatal crash, a statement from the victims’ families confirmed.
Greg Biffle was chosen by NASCAR as one of its top 75 drivers in history. He was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series, and he raced for 18 years at the top of the sport.
WHO WAS GREG BIFFLE? FORMER NASCAR DRIVER WHO HELPED HURRICANE SURVIVORS DIES IN AIRCRAFT WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
Yet for all the races and memorable victories, he is perhaps best remembered for his selfless and tireless work to help others as a helicopter pilot who a year ago provided aid in the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle makes an appearance during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia on March 20, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
When news of the fatal event broke on Thursday, many in and around the auto racing community began to honor and remember the former driver.
North Carolina political figures — including Gov. Josh Stein, Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. Richard Hudson — weighed in after learning that Biffle and his family were among the seven victims of the plane crash. Governor Stein described the loss as “heartbreaking” and recalled Biffle’s selfless response after the state was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Retired IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti also responded.
Conor Daly remembered his driver for his warmth and generosity.
Brad Keselowski issued a statement saying in part that Biffle’s “impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing runs deep, and his accomplishments helped lay a foundation we continue to build on today.”
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Weatherman took to social media Thursday, writing, “RIP BIFF… you and your family will be missed. You did so much for North Carolina and the NASCAR community.”
Sportscaster Jake Wilson said he was left “devastated and heartbroken” by Biffle’s passing.
At a news conference Thursday afternoon, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed seven people were killed when a Cessna C550 crashed.
“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the statement read. “Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Emma was a wonderful person with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and endlessly joyful child.”
