Former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two young children were among seven people killed in a devastating small plane crash in North Carolina, with his wife's chilling final text message revealing the moments of terror before impact.
The Final Moments and Tragic Crash
Cristina Grossu Biffle sent a desperate text to her mother, Cathy Grossu, just before the aircraft went down, stating simply: "We're in trouble." According to Cathy, who spoke to People magazine, she received no further messages from her daughter. The family was travelling to the Bahamas for a birthday celebration, with a planned stop in Sarasota, Florida.
The Cessna C550 took off from Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, 18 December 2025, but immediately turned around to attempt an emergency return. The plane reportedly flew low over the nearby Lakewood Golf Club, startling golfers, before it exploded into a fireball upon impact with the ground. Debris from the crash was scattered across the golf course's ninth hole.
Victims of the Aviation Disaster
The crash claimed the lives of all seven people on board. The victims included:
- Greg Biffle, the former NASCAR star.
- Cristina Grossu Biffle, his wife.
- Ryder Biffle, their five-year-old son.
- Emma Biffle, their 14-year-old daughter.
- Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack Dutton.
- Craig Wadsworth, a beloved figure in the NASCAR community.
Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board began the painstaking process of sifting through the wreckage on Friday, 19 December, to determine the cause of the crash. While FAA records confirm Biffle held licences to fly helicopters and single and multi-engine planes, it remains unclear if he was piloting the aircraft at the time.
Heartbroken Families and Community Mourning
The families of the victims issued a joint, heart-wrenching statement in the aftermath. "We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words," it read. The statement paid tribute to all seven individuals, describing the "immeasurable void" their deaths have left.
NASCAR also released an official statement honouring Biffle's legacy. "Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many," the organisation said, highlighting his lasting impact on the sport.
Cathy Grossu expressed the family's profound grief, stating the horror of the crash's end was "so hard to bear." The families have requested privacy and compassion as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The investigation into the precise reasons for the attempted return and the subsequent crash continues.
