Statesville, North Carolina – December 19, 2025
Authorities have confirmed the identities of several victims in the tragic Cessna Citation II crash that occurred yesterday at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, along with members of his family, were among those on board the ill-fated flight.
The private Cessna Citation II jet, registered to a company associated with Greg Biffle, took off from Statesville Regional Airport around 10 a.m. on December 18, en route to Florida. However, shortly after departure, the aircraft attempted an emergency return to the airport. During the landing approach, the plane crashed and erupted in flames, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.
Greg Biffle, aged 55, was one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, boasting 19 wins in the Cup Series, the 2000 Truck Series championship, and the 2002 Xfinity Series title. He was celebrated as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and was known for his philanthropic efforts, including using his aviation resources to deliver aid to victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina last year.
Sources close to the families and the NASCAR community have confirmed that Biffle’s wife and two children were also on the flight and did not survive. The racing world is in deep mourning over this profound loss.
Additionally, one of the other passengers is believed to be a close friend of Biffle and a former legendary player from the NFL’s Houston Texans franchise. Authorities have not yet officially released the identity of this individual, citing ongoing notifications and respect for the family’s privacy, but preliminary reports from those familiar with the group suggest he was a prominent figure in Texans history.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, with a team on site and further updates expected soon. Weather conditions, including low visibility, are among the factors being examined.
Tributes have poured in from across the sports world, highlighting Biffle’s legacy both on the track and in his community service. The Statesville Regional Airport remains closed as the investigation continues.
This developing story has sent shockwaves through NASCAR and beyond, as more details emerge about the victims and the circumstances of the tragedy.
