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President Donald Trump remembered Greg Biffle as a “great young man” Friday as he delivered remarks in North Carolina a day after the former NASCAR star and his family members died in a plane crash.
Biffle, his wife, their son and his daughter were among the seven killed when their plane crashed at Statesville Regional Airport Thursday morning. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator Dan Baker said the plane took off about 10:05 am ET and began returning to the airport five minutes after takeoff.
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President Donald Trump takes a selfie with former NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (R) and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The plane crashed approximately 10 minutes after takeoff.
“I also want to express my condolences to the people of this state,” Trump said. “And to the loved ones of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who died yesterday in a tragic plane crash with his family in Statesville.
GREG BIFFLE’S WIFE SENT A TERRIBLE TEXT MESSAGE MOMENTS BEFORE THE PLANE CRASHED
President Donald Trump speaks with former NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (L) and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Chris Graythen/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“I met him twice. He was just an amazing young man and what a tragedy it is with his whole family. So I just want to express our condolences, our love. I want to tell you, North Carolina, we will never forget them. He and his family were incredible people.”
Biffle, 55, was killed along with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14. Three others killed on board were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.
The professional racer won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.
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)
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NASCAR called Biffle “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor and a friend to so many.”
