The families of three additional people who died in Thursday’s plane crash that killed retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family have now shared their identities, speaking publicly for the first time in a joint statement.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families, shared by Fox Sports motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass on X, reads.
“Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”
The statement also identified the three other victims: Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, along with Craig Wadsworth.
“Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him,” the statement continued.
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Wadsworth was known around the NASCAR circuit and previously drove retired NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace’s motorhome, according to a post he shared on Instagram.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement added. “At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle and their five-year-old son Ryder were aboard the plane, along with Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Nicole Lunders.
The Cessna C550 crashed and erupted into flames while attempting to land during inclement weather at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville at around 10:15 a.m., according to the Associated Press.
The business jet had taken off from the same airport — about 45 miles north of Charlotte — shortly after 10 a.m. and then attempted to return.
Family friend Garrett Mitchell said the plane was en route to Florida when the accident occurred.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane,” Mitchell posted on Facebook. “Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
According to FlightAware, the plane was bound for Sarasota, Fla.
Biffle, known as “The Biff,” won multiple championships during his racing career, including the Truck Series title in 2000 and the Xfinity Series championship in 2002. The Vancouver, Wash., native was also named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. Last year, he received the 2024 NMPA Myers Brothers Award for humanitarian aid.
