The devastated mother-in-law of NASCAR icon Greg Biffle has disclosed that she received an ominous text message hinting at the impending plane crash just moments before it happened.
Tragedy struck on Thursday when a Cessna C550 private jet, owned by the 55-year-old racer, crashed onto the runway at Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:15 a.m., resulting in the deaths of seven people.
The aircraft, which was en route to Sarasota, Florida, burst into flames as emergency responders hurried to the site located roughly 45 minutes from Charlotte.
Cristina Biffle’s mother, Cathy Grossu, has shared that those on board seemed aware of the impending disaster.
In an interview with People, the mother-in-law of the NASCAR star revealed that her daughter sent a brief, yet telling, message just before the crash: “We’re in trouble.”
“She texted me from the plane and said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ That was all,” Cathy tearfully recounted. “We are utterly heartbroken and devastated.”
Cristina Biffle, pictured with her husband, NASCAR star Greg Biffle, sent a chilling message minutes before the private jet they were traveling in crashed in North Carolina
Seven died in the inferno on Thursday, including at least two children
Seven people died in the crash, including Biffle, Cristina and their five-year-old son, Ryder, as well as Biffle’s other daughter, Emma, 14. Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were also killed, according to a statement from the families.
Cristina’s mom has also revealed that the group were heading to Florida for a ‘birthday trip’ when the horrifying crash occurred.
‘To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip, that was just such a fun time for the family,’ she added. ‘And to see the horrific way that it ended, it’s just, it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they’re gone.’
She also revealed the last time she had seen Cristina and Biffle was just hours earlier when they had visited her at her house.
‘I don’t remember what the last words that I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder,’ she explained.
‘I don’t remember. I know we hugged, but I don’t remember those last words and that’s going to haunt me. But they were happy.’
Cristina’s mom Cathy Grossu (second right) revealed the heartbreaking final message
Biffle is seen taking a selfie with President Donald Trump in February in Daytona Beach, Florida
The plane initially took off from the airport then circled back before the deadly landing, meaning there might have been a mechanical issue, WCNC’s chief meteorologist Brad Panovich, said after looking at public flight data.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land.
NASCAR issued an emotional statement in the wake of the tragedy.
The organization told the Daily Mail: ‘NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.
‘Greg was more than 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.
‘On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series.
‘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. His tireless work saved lives.’
Grossu was a realtor, chief executive of jewelry firm My Replica Ring and a travel agent for CG Luxe Travel, according to her Instagram account.
Biffle is seen with Cristina, their five-year-old son, Ryder and Biffle’s daughter, Emma, 14. All four died in the horrifying plane crash on Thursday
A clip of Biffle surprising his wife with a ‘date night’ resurfaced as a tragic final memory
The couple often posted pictures together online at family and racing events.
The deaths were confirmed by high-profile family friends, including North Carolina US Congressman Richard Hudson.
‘I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,’ Hudson wrote in a tribute on X.
‘Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well’.
