Greg Biffle’s Friend Says NASCAR Champion, Wife, and Kids Were on Plane That Crashed with Multiple Fatalities

A tragic plane crash in North Carolina has shaken the NASCAR community after early reports indicated that champion driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children were on board at the time of the accident. The crash occurred Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, and has resulted in multiple fatalities, according to officials.

Plane Belonging to Greg Biffle Crashes While Landing

Authorities confirmed that a plane registered to Greg Biffle, 55, crashed around 10:20 a.m. while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) verified the incident and launched a joint investigation with local authorities to determine what led to the fatal crash.

Early reports from the Associated Press stated that the crash resulted in multiple fatalities, though officials have not yet released the identities of those involved.

Greg Biffle on Feb. 19, 2022. Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty

Close Friend Confirms Biffle and Family Were Onboard

Shortly after news of the crash broke, Garrett Mitchell, a fellow NASCAR driver and long-time friend of Biffle — also known online as Cleetus McFarland — publicly shared emotional details regarding the passengers.

Mitchell wrote:

“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated.”

Mitchell and Biffle shared a close friendship rooted in their love of racing, community projects, and hurricane relief efforts.

Authorities Still Working to Confirm Identities

While investigators have verified the tail number and ownership of the aircraft, law enforcement has not officially confirmed the identities of the deceased.
Records show the plane is owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company linked to Biffle’s registered business address.

A witness near Lakewood Golf Club told reporters that the aircraft appeared to be flying unusually low before impact. Weather at the time was described as poor, with local news noting visibility so limited that a news helicopter had to turn back.

A Look Back at Greg Biffle’s Racing Legacy

Greg Biffle began his NASCAR career in 1995 and quickly distinguished himself as one of the sport’s most versatile and accomplished drivers.
Notable achievements include:

• Winning championships in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series, making him one of only three drivers in history to achieve this.

• Being named 2001 Rookie of the Year in the Busch Series.

• Earning 19 career NASCAR Cup Series wins between 2003 and 2016.

Biffle married Cristina Grossu in 2022. They share a young son, Ryder, age 5. His daughter Emma, 14, is from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders.

Investigation Continues as NASCAR Community Grieves

As investigators work to determine what caused the crash, tributes and expressions of heartbreak have begun to pour in from fellow racers, friends, and fans across the country.

This developing story continues to send shockwaves through the motorsports world — a community now facing the possibility of losing one of its most respected and beloved champions.