Greg Biffle, the 55-year-old former NASCAR driver, his wife Cristina Gusso and their two children — 5-year-old Ryder and 14-year-old Emma — were killed Dec. 18 when a private Cessna C550 attempting to land crashed at Statesville, North Carolina. Two other individuals on board also died, officials confirmed.
- Who: Greg Biffle (55), wife Cristina Gusso, son Ryder (5), daughter Emma (14) and two other people.
- When: Dec. 18, attempted landing in Statesville, N.C.
- Aircraft: Cessna C550 reportedly under contract with Biffle.
- Confirmation: FAA and local authorities at the scene; Congressman Richard Hudson posted condolences.
- Weather: Adverse conditions reported — heavy drizzle, low ceilings and reduced visibility at the time.
- Investigation: Crash under investigation; cause pending and could take months or more to determine.
The Legacy
Greg Biffle built a career that made him one of NASCAR’s most recognizable drivers. Highlights include:
- Championships in both the Busch (now Xfinity) Series and the Craftsman Truck Series — one of only three drivers to do so.
- 19 NASCAR Cup Series victories and multiple Rookie of the Year honors.
- Recognition among NASCAR’s elite: named to the sport’s 75 Greatest Drivers list and a 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee.
Beyond the track, Biffle was known for humanitarian efforts — from piloting relief flights after Hurricane Helene in 2024 to community work that earned praise from peers and officials.
Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes
Responses poured in from the racing world and public officials. Congressman Richard Hudson wrote on X that the Biffles “were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” calling Greg “a great NASCAR champion” and “an extraordinary person.” Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris praised Biffle as “one of the fiercest drivers in NASCAR history” and highlighted his generosity off the track.
Local authorities — including the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. State Highway Patrol — worked the scene alongside FAA investigators. Weather experts told outlets conditions at the airport were poor, with heavy rain and low cloud ceilings reported minutes before the crash. Officials warned determining the cause may take months or longer.
Fans and fellow drivers took to social platforms to share memories of Biffle’s fearlessness on track and his charity work off it. News outlets report E! News and others attempted to reach Biffle’s representatives for comment as investigators continue their work.
What’s Next
Federal investigators, local law enforcement and aviation authorities will continue processing the crash scene and reviewing flight, maintenance and weather data. Authorities have not yet released a final cause; updates are expected as the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) open formal inquiries.
We will update this story as officials release new information and families and the racing community issue further statements.
Image Referance: https://www.eonline.com/news/1426352/greg-biffle-family-dead-in-plane-crash