Former NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle and Family Killed in Plane Crash
On December 18, a Cessna C550 business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, located north of Charlotte, North Carolina, according to local authorities. The aircraft, bearing tail number N257BW, went down near the end of a runway while attempting to land.
Flight data from FlightAware indicates that the jet departed the airport but quickly turned back, suggesting the pilot encountered an issue shortly after takeoff and attempted an emergency return before the crash.
The plane was operated by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Early reports stated that six people were on board, though officials later confirmed that seven individuals were aboard at the time of the accident.
Joint Statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders Families regarding the plane crash today.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/jm10YNKlVD
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) December 18, 2025
Both the FAA and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the crash resulted in multiple fatalities.
Those killed were later identified as Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their daughter Emma, and their young son Ryder.
Remembering the Biffle Family
Greg Biffle married Cristina Grossu in 2023. Friends and family described the couple as loving parents and generous individuals who were deeply committed to helping others. They shared a five-year-old son, Ryder, remembered as an energetic, curious, and joyful child.
Biffle was also the father of Emma, 14, from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders. Emma was remembered for her gentle spirit and kindness, and for being deeply cherished by those around her.
Cristina and Ryder Honored Together
Cristina and Ryder were remembered in a joint obituary that reflected the impact they had on those who knew them.
“Cristina touched countless lives with her humor, warmth, creativity, curiosity, drive, and outgoing nature,” the obituary read. “She had a rare gift for connecting with people and made those around her feel confident, valued, and seen.”
Ryder was described as a “joyful and mischievous five-year-old” who loved anything with wheels.
“He loved taking things apart, though he hadn’t quite mastered putting them back together,” the obituary shared. “He once dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver, but this Christmas he announced his new goal — Formula 1. Ouch!”