A U.S. congress member has confirmed what was initially feared: The private plane which crashed in a fiery inferno Thursday in North Carolina was owned by retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, and he and his family were all killed in the crash.
Biffle, 55, played a key role in the rescue operations after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina last year, and flew his personal helicopter to deliver supplies and rescue stranded people.
Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, 14 and son Ryder, 5, were all aboard the plane that tragically crashed while attempting to return to the airport shortly after takeoff.
Republican Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina announced on X:
I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them.
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.
The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
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.
Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.
I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them.
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…
— Rep. Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) December 18, 2025
As a confirmation of Hudson’s tribute, Biffle had announced in a post on X on October 28:
Tuesday Update: As Hurricane Melissa makes landfall, hoping that as many people were able to head to higher ground as possible!!
We are trying to coordinate and explore all opportunities via by sea and air for relief efforts as quickly as we can to the Caribbean. We have the large boat and landing craft on standby for deployment to possibly take supplies once we can get an update and monitoring the situation like everyone and praying for all who are affected. #hurricanemelissa #jamaica
Tuesday Update: As Hurricane Melissa makes landfall, hoping that as many people were able to head to higher ground as possible !!
We are trying to coordinate and explore all opportunities via by sea and air for relief efforts as quickly as we can to the Caribbean. We have the…
— Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) October 28, 2025
On September 28, Biffle had posted a video on YouTube, of a recap on Hurricane Helene last year, and his efforts to help. He explained that the experience of being able to fly rescue missions to help those who were stranded after the hurricane had changed his life as well.
Tributes are pouring in for Biffle and his family, with many observing not only his successful career, but his generous goodwill, spending his life to help others.
Godspeed, Greg Biffle pic.twitter.com/OhNWXLx1dO
— Jett Kraus (@JettMDK) December 18, 2025
NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, along with his wife and two children, have been killed in a plane crash in North Carolina.
Truly devastating. This hero used his private helicopter to deliver supplies and save countless lives stranded during Hurricane Helene.
His children were just… pic.twitter.com/mJL7RIY606
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 18, 2025
It is with a heavy heart I share the news that it has been confirmed that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, his 14-year-old daughter Emma, and his 5-year-old son Ryder, have passed on from this earth and into the glory of God. pic.twitter.com/HHTcH2XXLH
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) December 18, 2025
Storm chaser Chris Jackson wrote, “I’m sure there’s 1,000,000 other posts out there but it cannot be stated how vital Greg Biffle was in organizing the western NC Helene relief effort which was among one of the largest civilian humanitarian missions ever on American soil.
“The world didn’t just lose a NASCAR great today. The world lost a great man and great family that selflessly stepped up and used their resources for the greater good to help total strangers during their greatest time of need. Rest in peace.”
I’m sure there’s 1,000,000 other posts out there but it cannot be stated how vital Greg Biffle was in organizing the western NC Helene relief effort which was among one of the largest civilian humanitarian missions ever on American soil.
The world didn’t just lose a NASCAR… pic.twitter.com/crmNXCjFPT
— ☈ Chris Jackson ☈ (@ChrisJacksonSC) December 18, 2025
I’m at a complete loss for words.
Greg Biffle was one of the most heroic volunteers during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
For 2 weeks straight, Greg flew his own personal helicopter every single day to rescue victims who were stranded in the mountains.
A true hero. pic.twitter.com/SDC7kXm1Sz
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) December 18, 2025
NASCAR has lost a leader and a humanitarian.
Greg Biffle has died in a plane crash in North Carolina at the age of 55. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/RsNmAzJB4J
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) December 18, 2025
A great driver.
A great human being.
A great father and family man.
Hard to put it in to words.
Thank You Greg Biffle for being part of my childhood.— Kyle Busch FC ⚽️ (@kfb8182313000) December 18, 2025
#CONFIRMED: Greg Biffle, his wife and son were all on the plane that crashed.
🙏🏾 Prayers for their families.
Greg flew hundreds of rescue missions after Hurricane Helene when help was nowhere to be found.
No cameras. No politics. Just a hero. pic.twitter.com/a0I1eyNSsu
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) December 18, 2025
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