A community in North Carolina is in mourning following the funeral of 14-year-old Emma Biffle, the daughter of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. The service was held nearly three weeks after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of seven people, including Emma, her father, her five-year-old brother Ryder, and her stepmother, Cristina.
A Community Mourns a 'Pure Soul'
The memorial service for Emma took place at the Cain Center in Cornelius, North Carolina. Her obituary, published last month, remembered her as "an amazing light in this world". It described her as a fun, outgoing, and caring individual with a "pure soul full of love" and a deep affection for animals. The notice suggested donations to a local animal shelter in her memory. Emma is survived by her mother, Nicole Lunders.
A separate, public remembrance for her father, 55-year-old Greg Biffle, is scheduled for January 16 at Charlotte's Bojangles Coliseum. Biffle was a celebrated NASCAR champion, winning over 50 races across the sport's top three series.
The Fatal Flight and Ongoing Investigation
The tragedy occurred on December 18 when a Cessna Citation business jet, registered to a company run by Biffle, crashed at Statesville Regional Airport. The aircraft had taken off shortly after 10 a.m., bound for Florida, but attempted to return almost immediately. The crash killed all on board:
- Greg Biffle
- Cristina Biffle (Greg's wife)
- Ryder Biffle, 5 (Greg and Cristina's son)
- Emma Biffle, 14 (Greg's daughter)
- Dennis Dutton, 67, a retired Delta Air Lines pilot
- Jack Dutton, 20, Dennis's son
- Craig Wadsworth, a friend of Biffle's
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the flight lasted just 10 minutes. Investigator Dan Baker stated the plane left a 1,800-foot trail of wreckage after striking runway lights, trees, and a perimeter fence. The reason for the emergency return remains under investigation.
Witnesses reported hearing a "large, loud pop" shortly after takeoff. Kenny Wallace, a former NASCAR racer and friend of Biffle, speculated on his YouTube channel that a motor failure may have been a factor. It is not yet confirmed who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash, though Biffle had obtained his pilot's licence in March.
Legacies of Service and Compassion
In joint statements, the families described their heartbreak, remembering Greg and Cristina as devoted parents and philanthropists. They also paid tribute to the Duttons and Craig Wadsworth.
The crash cut short lives marked by service. In 2024, Biffle was honoured for using his personal helicopter to deliver aid after Hurricane Helene. U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson noted that Cristina had recently inquired about helping with relief efforts in Jamaica. Craig Wadsworth was remembered as a generous helper who had worked for several NASCAR teams.
NASCAR released a statement expressing devastation, calling Biffle "a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many." The NTSB and FAA investigations continue as the community seeks answers to the mystery of the doomed flight.
