The racing community is in mourning after a plane crash claimed the lives of retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two children, and three other adults on Thursday (Dec. 18). During inclement weather, Biffle’s Cessna C550 crashed while trying to return to Statesville Regional Airport, 45 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. Investigators are working to pinpoint the cause of the fiery crash.
Biffle, who would have turned 56 next week, is being remembered as a passionate competitor and selfless humanitarian. After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina and Tennessee last fall, the avid pilot flew missions in his own helicopter to rescue victims and deliver much-needed aid.
RELATED: The Devastation From Hurricane Helene Is ‘Overwhelming’ but So Is the Neighborly Love
Greg and Cristina Biffle, along with their two children (ages 14 and 5), were heading to Florida on Thursday to visit Garrett Mitchell, a motorsports YouTuber. Mitchell, who confirmed that the Biffles were on the downed plane, said he was “devastated” by the news.
Greg Biffle ‘Lived His Faith Out Loud’
Tributes for Greg Biffle mentioned his racing achievements as well as his passion for serving others. “Greg was an outspoken born again Christian, and lived his faith out loud,” wrote Dylan Novak, founder of the ministry Celebrity Evangelist. “I know from firsthand accounts…that he went above and beyond to be the hands and feet of Christ, helping those in desperate need during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.”
Evangelist Franklin Graham was “deeply saddened” to hear about the fatal crash. “Our hearts go out to their family members and loved ones,” he wrote. “Please lift them up in prayer during this very difficult time.”
When U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) last spoke with Cristina Biffle, she inquired about assisting with hurricane-relief efforts in Jamaica. “That’s who the Biffles were,” he wrote. “They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others.”
The Last Lap Insider Instagram account noted, “Biffle and his family were as good as good could get.”
“After the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene in 2024, Biffle not only donated tons of supplies and money,” said the account, “he was out there in the mountains of [North Carolina] with his own helicopter helping extract people to [safety].”
The post continued, “In 2024, ‘The Biff’ started 12 Days of Biffmas. Biffle gave away thousands of dollars and daily prizes to dozens of his followers. He had just wrapped up Biffmas this year with his final prize being a 1990s Corvette!”
The racing community is in mourning after a plane crash claimed the lives of retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two children, and three other adults on Thursday (Dec. 18).Click to PostOne of Greg Biffle’s final video posts featured a family outing to select a Christmas tree.
