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Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were killed in a plane crash on December 18 in Statesville, North Carolina. Touched by the news, motorsports icons Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty and Mario Andretti paid tribute to the deceased.
Biffle’s wife, 14-year-old daughter Emma and 7-year-old son Ryde were among those who lost their lives. The crash also killed three others: Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth.
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Jeff Gordon, who once competed in the NASCAR Cup Series alongside Biffle, was devastated by the news. He shared his condolences on X (formerly known as Twitter) and he wrote,
“Devastating news. I had enormous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and all those suffering.”
Richard “The King” Petty also expressed his grief via X. He shared an old picture with Biffle and captioned it:
“Richard Petty and the Petty family are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle and his family. Greg was not only a fearless competitor, but someone who showed equal courage in his generosity to others. Our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
Mario Andretti, who drove in Formula 1 from 1968 to 1982 and IndyCar from 1964 to 1994, also sent his prayers to Biffle’s family.
“He will forever be the #GregBiffleCrash,” Andretti he wrote. “What a sad and shocking day. I’m praying for Greg, Cristina and little angels Emma and Ryder. Also for peace and strength for Emma’s mom, Nicole Lunders. Greg…a star driver and a star in his second act as a humanitarian.”
Greg Biffle became the talk of the NASCAR community when he and his team conducted multiple rescue missions and extensive relief work to aid civilians during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in late September. He was 55 years old at the time of his death.
Cleetus McFarland reveals that Greg Biffle and his family got to “spend the afternoon” with him
Internet sensation and NASCAR enthusiast Cleetus McFarland, who was also a longtime friend of Greg Biffle, confirmed the news of the former’s death. He also mentioned that Biffle had to spend the afternoon with his family.
Shortly after the news broke, McFarland wrote on Facebook:
“Unfortunately, I can confirm that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma and son Ryder were on that plane … because they were going to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I am so sorry to share this.”
Authorities are investigating the case. The actual cause of the crash is unknown, as is the reason why the plane was returning to the airport despite the rain and clouds.
Edited by Tushhita Barua
