NASCAR driver Greg Biffle plane crash: Jeff Gordon pays tribute in wake of tragedy

Following a plane crash on Thursday morning that killed former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two children, and three others, the motorsports world is mourning. Jeff Gordon was the latest to offer an outpouring of support on social media.

The four-time Cup Series champion opened up on his interactions with Biffle on and off the track. He wrote:

“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.”

The tributes have come in from across the country as news of Greg Biffle’s death spreads. Clint Bowyer offered a tribute, as did several others.

The crash happened around 10:15 a.m. ET. At that time, a Cessna C550 crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport about an hour north of Charlotte, N.C.

The wreckage immediately triggered fire and heavy smoke, leaving a pile of rubble on the ground. A handful of local viewers captured footage, stunned by the plane’s low trajectory as it attempted to salvage the situation.

CNN reported that “a federal source with knowledge” of the plane crash said a person associated with NASCAR was on board at the time of the crash. That was believed to be Greg Biffle. Various other tidbits began to emerge early Thursday afternoon on that front that confirmed the news.

The family issued a statement, essentially confirming the seven deaths ahead of local authorities. The plane was owned by Greg Biffle, who has become beloved in the state of North Carolina for his relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Others close to Biffle confirmed that he was on the plane, along with his wife and two children.

Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, shared information on his Facebook page on Thursday. He said the family was on its way to visit him when the plane crash occurred.

“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Mitchell wrote. “We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”

Kenny Wallace also posted on his Twitter account that Craig Wadsworth was also aboard during the plane crash. Wadsworth drove Wallace’s motorhome for six years, per Wallace.

Visibility in the area was low at the time of the crash, thanks to rain in the area. The NTSB has announced it will conduct a complete investigation. It will host a press conference to release its preliminary findings on Friday.