Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were among seven people killed in a plane crash Thursday in Statesville, N.C.
Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton died in the crash.
The plane, which was registered to the company owned by Biffle, took off from Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. but then returned and was attempting to land there before crashing, according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.
The families of those lost in Thursday's crash issued a statement confirming their deaths.
"We are devastated to share the tragic news of the passing of one of our founding board members Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, and two additional souls, in a horrific plane crash in Statesville this morning," the family statement read. "Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives."
NASCAR said it was "devastated" by the news of the crash, calling Biffle a "beloved" member of the racing community.
"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," the statement read. "His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport."
The NASCAR family is devastated at the loss of Greg Biffle, who was one of our 75 greatest drivers and became known for his relentless post-career humanitarian work.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 18, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/Q7nh6ug1iW
Tributes to Biffle poured in from all over the NASCAR community, including racing legend Richard Petty, and fellow competitors Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer, as well as Jack Rousch, who Biffle teamed with and raced for.
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.
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) December 18, 2025
Our deepest condolences to their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DMzK7jJfAp
Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting. pic.twitter.com/TN9vbqjpZ4
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) December 18, 2025
Absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family. An unbelievable talent behind the controls of literally anything. Checked all the boxes...Great guy, helped people in need, and most importantly was a great family man. Devastated for everyone! 😥
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) December 18, 2025
Statement from Jack Roush on today's tragedy. pic.twitter.com/DpuCgGr70N
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 18, 2025
Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR's three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration continue to investigate the crash. Drizzle and clouds were present at the time of the crash, according to AccuWeather.
Video from WSOC-TV showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near scattered wreckage from the plane. The airport, according to its website, offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.
The tragedy adds to the list of plane crashes this year around the world, including the plane-helicopter collision that killed 67 in Washington, the Air India crash that killed 260 in India, and a crash in Russia's Far East that claimed 48 lives. Fourteen people, including 11 on the ground, died in a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.