The world of motorsports is in mourning following the tragic death of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle. On Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, the 55-year-old former driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, Emma and Ryder, were among seven people who died in a plane crash when their private jet failed shortly after takeoff in North Carolina.
The accident and death of Greg Biffle in a plane crash occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. ET near Statesville Regional Airport. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Biffle’s Cessna Citation business jet experienced complications just minutes into its flight toward Florida. In a harrowing final moment, a passenger on board sent a text message to a family member reading, “emergency landing.”
Witnesses at a nearby golf course reported seeing the aircraft flying “unusually low” before it struck a lighting stanchion and erupted into flames just 1,800 feet (about 550 meters) short of the runway.
NASCAR Greg Biffle dies in a plane crash
For Colombian racing fans, Greg Biffle was a familiar face and a respected rival. Biffle’s prime years in the NASCAR Cup Series directly overlapped with the tenure of Colombian icon Juan Pablo Montoya.
While Montoya was making history as the first Colombian to win in NASCAR’s top tier, Biffle was a consistent powerhouse for Roush Fenway Racing. During the late 2000s and early 2010s, the two shared the track in high-stakes battles at iconic venues such as Daytona, Talladega, and Watkins Glen.
Biffle, known by his nickname “The Biff,” was often the man to beat, finishing as the Cup Series runner-up in 2005 and securing 19 career victories.
Beyond the racetrack: A humanitarian legacy
In recent years, Biffle’s reputation grew far beyond his driving statistics. He became a national hero in 2024 for his selfless response to Hurricane Helene. Using his personal helicopter, Biffle spent weeks flying supplies to remote, cut-off communities in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
NASCAR released a statement expressing profound devastation: “Greg was more than a champion driver; he was a beloved member of the series community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing and his commitment to fans made a lasting impact on the sport.”
Investigation underway
The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and is currently investigating the cause of the engine failure or mechanical issue that forced the abrupt turn back toward the airport. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, though a full investigation could take over a year.
The loss of Greg Biffle and his family in a plane crash has left a void in the sports world. From the garages in North Carolina to the fans in Bogota who followed his career alongside Montoya, Greg Biffle will be remembered as a champion who gave as much to his community as he did to the asphalt.