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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 took off from the regional airport Thursday morning, but was diverted to Statesville and crashed during an attempted landing, authorities confirmed.
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (44) speaks to the press during media day for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida on February 16, 2022. (Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports)
Biffle’s wife, Cristina, shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who were all on board with Dennis, 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 the 75 greatest drivers in history. He was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series and drove for 18 years at the top of the sport.
WHO WAS GREG BIFFLE? FORMER NASCAR DRIVER WHO HELPED HURRICANE VICTIMS DIES IN PLANE CRASH WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
Yet for all his memorable races and victories, he is perhaps best remembered for his selfless and tireless work as a helicopter pilot who provided aid a year ago during the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle appears during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia on March 20, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
As news of the fatal event surfaced on Thursday, many people in and around the motorsports community began to honor and remember the former driver.
North Carolina political figures — including Gov. Josh Stein, Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. Richard Hudson — spoke out 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 reacted.
Conor Daly remembers his fellow driver for his warmth and generosity.
Brad Keselowski released a statement saying in part that “Biffle’s impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing is profound and his accomplishments helped lay the foundation on which we continue to build today.”
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Weatherman took to social media Thursday, writing, “RIP BIFF…we will miss you and your family. You have done so much for North Carolina and the NASCAR community.”
Sports announcer Jake Wilson said he was “devastated and heartbroken” by Biffle’s death.
During a press conference Thursday afternoon, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that seven lives were lost in the crash of a Cessna C550.
“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 human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and endlessly joyful child.”
