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 her life along with six others, including her father, brother, and stepmother.
A Family and Community in Mourning
The memorial service for Emma Biffle took place on Sunday at the Cain Center in Cornelius, North Carolina. Her obituary, published last month, remembered her as "an amazing light in this world", describing a fun, outgoing, and caring girl with a "pure soul full of love." It highlighted her deep bond with her mother, Nicole Lunders, and her profound love for animals, suggesting donations to local shelters in her memory.
A public remembrance for her father, 55-year-old NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, is scheduled for January 16 at Charlotte's Bojangles Coliseum. The tragic incident occurred on December 18 when a business jet, registered to a company run by Biffle, crashed at Statesville Regional Airport shortly after takeoff.
Details of the Fatal Flight
The aircraft, a 1981 Cessna Citation bound for Florida, took off around 10 a.m. but was attempting to return to the airport within minutes. All seven people on board perished. Alongside Greg Biffle, the victims were his wife, Cristina, their five-year-old son, Ryder, his daughter Emma, family friend Craig Wadsworth, and retired Delta Air Lines pilot Dennis Dutton and his 20-year-old son, Jack.
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 initial impact with a runway light. It subsequently struck trees and airport infrastructure. The reason for the emergency return remains under investigation.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud pop after takeoff. Former NASCAR racer Kenny Wallace, a friend of Biffle's, speculated on his YouTube channel about a potential engine failure causing drag and complicating the landing attempt. Dennis Dutton's neighbour also described a "large, loud pop" moments after departure.
Legacy of a Champion and Ongoing Investigation
Greg Biffle was a decorated NASCAR driver, winning over 50 races across the sport's top three series and securing championships in the Trucks Series (2000) and Xfinity Series (2002). The sport's governing body paid tribute, calling him a "beloved member of the NASCAR community" and a fierce competitor.
In a joint statement, the families of the victims expressed being "heartbroken beyond words." They remembered Greg and Cristina as devoted parents and philanthropists, Emma as a kind soul, and Ryder as a joyful child. The statement also honoured Dennis and Jack Dutton, who were "deeply loved."
Biffle, who obtained his pilot's license in March 2024, was recently recognised for using his personal helicopter to deliver aid after Hurricane Helene. The NTSB and FAA investigations continue into the cause of the crash of the aircraft, which aviation experts note has an excellent safety reputation.
