Report: Greg Biffle among those killed in North Carolina plane crash

Greg Biffle, his two children, Emma and Ryder, as well as his wife Cristina Grossu were among those killed in a North Carolina plane crash on Thursday.

Rep. Richard Hudson, who is the chairman of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus, shared the news on X regarding the NASCAR driver and his family.

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them.

“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.

“The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

“The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were.

“Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.”

The Cessna C550 was carrying six people when it crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport around 10:15 a.m.

Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was covered with debris.

“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville. “It was scary.”

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA were investigating. AccuWeather says there was some drizzle and clouds at the time of the crash.

The plane had planned to fly later from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, data showed.

In 2000, Biffle won the Truck Series in 2000 was the NASCAR Rookie of the Year in 2001. He won the Xfinity Series in 2002.

Biffle was nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame earlier this year and was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

The Associated Press contributed to this article