IFN Staff

As the Federal Aviation Administration began its investigation of Thursday morning’s deadly plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport, the auto racing industry, residents of the Mooresville community and others expressed their sadness at the tragic loss of retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two children, and three others.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the airport about 10:15 a.m. Thursday after receiving reports of a crash involving a small jet owned by Biffle. The N.C. Highway Patrol announced that Biffle was among the seven people killed in the crash and said the remaining occupants would be positively identified by medical examiners.

In a joint statement issued later Thursday, the families of the victims announced that Biffle, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma, had lost their lives, along with Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.

“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the families said.

The group was flying to Florida to visit a friend of Biffles’ when the jet experienced some type of mechanical issue shortly after take-off. The pilot was attempting to return to the airport when the aircraft burst into flames as it was in the process of landing, according to a video shared on social media.

Iredell County and the City of Statesville emergency personnel responded to the site of the crash.

Iredell County Emergency Communications coordinated the response with on-scene personnel, including HazMat, EMS, Fire, Rescue, Emergency Management, the N.C. State Highway Patrol, and the Federal Aviation Administration FAA.

Condolences to the families and tributes to Biffle flooded social media on Thursday in recognition of the driver’s impressive career on the track and his efforts to help residents of Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

“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,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”

“Richard Petty and the Petty Family are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle and his family. Greg was not only a fearless competitor, but someone who showed that same fearlessness in his generosity to others,” Petty said in a social media post. “Our deepest condolences to their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Gov. Josh Stein also honored Biffle.

“Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene,” the governor said. “My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash.”

In Mooresville, those moved by the tragedy turned Biffle’s N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame plaque in downtown into a memorial.

Town officials also released a statement:

“The Mayor, the Board of Commissioners, and the entire Town of Mooresville are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Greg Biffle and his family. As a philanthropist, community leader, and humanitarian Greg made an indelible impact that has reached far beyond Mooresville, making it his mission to give of his time and talents to make our community a better place. When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, he stepped forward to use his experience to deliver critical supplies and rescue families in distress,” the statement said.

“As one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, he was recently inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame — earning a place on the Walk of Fame right here in downtown Mooresville. Our hearts are with their loved ones as they navigate this tragedy.”

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