In a callous act following unimaginable tragedy, the North Carolina mansion of the late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was burgled just weeks after he and his family perished in a plane crash. The intruders kicked in bedroom doors and stole an estimated $30,000 in cash, several firearms, and NASCAR memorabilia, yet curiously left the champion's trophy cases undisturbed.
A Grim Discovery During Cleaning
The break-in was discovered by a family member, who identified herself as the mother-in-law in a 911 call released by TMZ. She had arrived at the property to clean when she noticed something amiss. "I'm at the house now, and it looks like someone tried to break in," the woman told the operator. "Yeah, someone tried to kick the doors in. It's upstairs. It's the doors on the top of the stairs, which is bizarre!"
Her first clue was a Christmas tree that had been moved from its usual place. Upon investigating further, she found the damaged doors. When asked by the 911 operator if anything was missing, she confirmed that after checking Biffle's study, his racing trophies remained untouched. "His office looks pretty good," she reported. Police were dispatched and advised her not to disturb the scene further.
A Tragedy Preceding the Crime
The burglary occurred roughly three weeks after the devastating aviation accident that claimed seven lives. On December 18, a 1981 Cessna Citation jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport. On board were 55-year-old Greg Biffle, his wife Christina, their young son Ryder, and Biffle's 14-year-old daughter Emma. Also killed were retired Delta Air Lines pilot Dennis Dutton, 67, his 20-year-old son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported the flight lasted only 10 minutes, leaving an 1,800-foot trail of wreckage after striking runway lights, trees, and a perimeter fence. The cause remains under investigation, though a neighbour reported hearing a "large, loud pop" at takeoff, and Biffle's friend, former racer Kenny Wallace, suggested a potential engine failure.
A Legacy Remembered
Greg Biffle was a celebrated figure in motorsport, winning over 50 races across NASCAR's three national series, including 19 at the premier Cup level. He secured the Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002. A public remembrance was held at Charlotte's Bojangles Coliseum, where friend Garrett Mitchell urged the crowd to "Be like Biff"—a mantra embodying seizing opportunities, supporting loved ones, and generosity.
The families issued a joint statement expressing heartbreak, describing Greg and Cristina as devoted parents and philanthropists, Emma as a kind soul, and Ryder as an infinitely joyful child. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the burglary, and the case remains unsolved, adding a further layer of distress to an already profound loss.
