NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle and his family were among the victims of Thursday’s fatal plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
The plane was registered under GB Aviation LLC, a company owned by Biffle. The plane departed the regional airport Thursday morning, but was diverted back to Statesville and crashed during a landing attempt, authorities confirmed.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (44) speaks to the media during the Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida on February 16, 2022. (Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports)
Biffle’s wife, Cristina, had a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who were on board along with Dennis, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth during the deadly crash, a statement from the victims’ families confirmed.
Greg Biffle was chosen by NASCAR as one of its 75 greatest drivers in history. He was nominated for the Hall of Fame for the stock car series and drove for 18 years at the top of the sport.
WHO WAS GREG BIFFLE? FORMER NASCAR DRIVER WHO HELPED HURRICANE VICTIMS DIES IN PLANE CRASH WITH RELATIVES
However, for all the memorable races and victories, he is perhaps best remembered for his selfless and tireless work helping others as a helicopter pilot who assisted a year ago in the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle appears during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia on March 20, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
When news of the fatal event emerged on Thursday, many in and around the motorsports community began to honor and remember the former driver.
North Carolina political figures, including Governor Josh Stein, Representative Pat Harrigan and Representative Richard Hudson, intervened after learning that Biffle and his family were among the seven victims of the plane crash. Governor Stein described the loss as “heartbreaking” and recalled Biffle’s selfless response after the state was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Retired IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti also reacted.
Conor Daly remembered his fellow driver for his warmth and generosity.
Brad Keselowski released a statement saying in part that Biffle’s “impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing is profound, and his accomplishments helped lay a foundation that we continue to build on today.”
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Weatherman took to social media Thursday, writing, “RIP BIFF…you and your family will be missed. You did a lot for North Carolina and the NASCAR community.”
Sportscaster Jake Wilson said he was “devastated and heartbroken” by Biffle’s death.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that seven lives were lost when a Cessna C550 crashed.
“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the statement said. “Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and endlessly joyful child.”
