Hurricane Helene hero, retired NASCAR driver and family dead in North Carolina plane crash

STATESVILLE, N.C. - A plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County, North Carolina, claimed the lives of retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two young children on Thursday, officials said.

The Cessna C550 crashed while landing at the regional airport around 10:15 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, the area was experiencing some poor weather with a drizzle that turned into heavy rain. Initial reports show visibility was at five miles, but quickly changed to 2.5 miles. Estimates show that visibility could have been even less.

In a statement, NASCAR said they are "devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton."

"Greg was more than just a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport," the statement reads.

Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-9th District) mourned the loss of the family, saying, "They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track."

When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina, Biffle flew missions in his private helicopter delivering much-needed supplies and saving lives after the disaster.

"Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene," NASCAR said in a statement. "His tireless work saved lives."

The Iredell County Sheriff's Office confirmed that there were fatalities, and that the Mobile Command Unit has been deployed to the scene to support investigators. NASCAR later confirmed that seven people died.

According to FAA records, the plane is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, which is managed by Biffle.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is launching a team to investigate the fatal crash.

A media briefing is expected to be held by the NTSB on Friday, although a time and place has yet to be announced.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX Weather for more information as it becomes available.

Hurricane Relief Efforts

Biffle made headlines for his extensive lifesaving efforts after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, which earned him the 2024 National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Award.

Recognized for his humanitarian efforts off the racetrack, the retired NASCAR driver used his personal helicopter to deliver aid to remote victims entirely cut off due to extensive flooding.

"Biffle’s unselfish efforts as part of Operation Helidrop spearheaded NASCAR’s mobilization to help those who desperately needed food, water, medicine, clothing and housing," the award press release said.

In one instance, while flying his helicopter in October 2024 in a mountainous area in North Carolina surveying the destruction caused by Helene, an individual in need used a mirror to signal Biffle's helicopter.

After six attempts, Biffle's chopper successfully landed and provided the victim with essential supplies including EpiPens, insulin, gas, formula, food and other necessities. 

"The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were," Rep. Hudson said.