Former NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle & His Family Tragically Killed In Plane Crash
On December 18, 2025, a Cessna C550 business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, north of Charlotte, North Carolina, according to local officials. The aircraft, identified by tail number N257BW, went down at the end of a runway.
FlightAware data shows the jet had taken off but soon turned back toward the airport and was attempting to land when the crash occurred.
The aircraft was operated by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Initial reports indicated six people were on board at the time of the crash; authorities later confirmed that seven individuals were aboard.
The FAA and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office reported “multiple fatalities” as a result of the crash. Among those individuals were later identified as Greg, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder.
Joint Statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders Families regarding the plane crash today.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) December 18, 2025
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/jm10YNKlVD
Greg & Cristina Biffle Known For Their Philanthropic Efforts
Greg had been married to his wife, Cristina Grossu, since 2023. The couple were described by family and friends as devoted parents and generous philanthropists who spent much of their time helping others. They shared a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who was remembered as an active, curious, and joyful child.
The former NASCAR driver also had a 14-year-old daughter, Emma, from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders. Emma was remembered for her kind nature and was deeply loved by those who knew her.
Greg and Cristina were both known for their kindness and generosity. Greg often sprang into action in the wake of natural disasters.
After Hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina, he flew his personal helicopter to rescue those in need. When certain areas were too dangerous or inaccessible to reach, he dropped supplies from above, ensuring that stranded survivors received critical aid.
With his passion for animals, he also created the Greg Biffle Foundation, providing grants to animal humane societies across the nation. Greg also served as a member of the board of Lake Norman Animal Shelter, helping to build their facilities in Mooresville, North Carolina.
The mirror that caught our attention well over a mile away 👀 only way we we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2… pic.twitter.com/Wdl4w7hMZM
— Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) October 3, 2024
Greg Biffle’s Family Determined To Carry On His Legacy
Now, loved ones of Greg are committed to carrying on his legacy of generosity and ensuring his philanthropic work continues. Shortly following his tragic death, the Biffle Family Legacy Impact Fund was created, with help from Foundation for the Carolinas.
“The main goal with the fund right now is to think about what was important to Greg and Cristina,” Jordyn Biffle Carpenter, the fund’s advisor, and the couple’s niece, said.
Jordyn explained that fans have reached out to the family with inquiries about how they can continue supporting some of Greg’s favorite charities and causes.
“[The outreach] very overwhelming, but welcomed. Greg meant a lot to a lot of people of different people. He supported a lot of different organizations and groups,” she said. “We tried to think of ideas. We wanted to start a foundation to honor their memory of Greg and Cristina and figure our how we move forward.”
You can support the Biffle Family Legacy Impact Fund here.