Seven people, including NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, were killed when a private jet crashed in North Carolina on December 18. The Cessna C550 caught fire while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Biffle was traveling with his wife, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and 14-year-old daughter Emma, as well as friends Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. They were reportedly heading to Florida for a birthday trip.
Cristina’s mother, Cathy Grossu, told People that she received a final text from her daughter moments before the crash: “We’re in trouble.” Grossu said the family is devastated, adding that her last conversation with Cristina was about Christmas.
NASCAR confirmed the deaths and honored Biffle, remembering him as a champion driver, humanitarian, and beloved member of the racing community.