The racing community is in deep mourning following the tragic death of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family in a private jet crash. A close friend paid a heartfelt tribute to Biffle after the incident, which occurred as the family was traveling to visit him.

The accident happened Thursday morning around 10:15 a.m. at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. Disturbing videos circulating online show the Cessna Citation jet engulfed in flames beside the runway.

Authorities have confirmed that the crash claimed the lives of 55-year-old Biffle, his wife Cristina, their daughter Emma, and son Ryder. Additional victims include Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

The motorsport world was left reeling from the loss, with fans and colleagues taking to social media to pay respects to the beloved NASCAR champion and his family.

Racing driver and YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, also known as Cleetus McFarland, was among the first to report the tragedy. He confirmed that Biffle, Cristina, their five-year-old son Ryder, and Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma, whom he shared with a previous partner, were all on board the ill-fated flight.

Mitchell shared a poignant video remembering his friend, featuring the two of them riding dune buggies together. “This will be one of my favorite videos of all time,” he said. “A wheelie side by side with the Biff. This is the worst day ever.”

Tributes to NASCAR icon Greg Biffle and his family have flooded in after they were killed in a devastating private jet crash

The plane was seen engulfed in flames near an airport runway in North Carolina on Thursday

Racing driver and YouTuber Garrett Mitchell was first to announce the heartbreaking news

Racing driver Nick Hoffman posted on X: ‘Damn. It’s always the good guys. Greg did so much for the hurricane relief and helping all those in need in NC and TN. Something he did not need or have to do. So sad.’

Chevrolet Racing’s Kyle Weatherman said: ‘RIP BIFF… you and your family will be missed. You did so much for North Carolina and the NASCAR Community’. 

‘Life is precious…,’ NASCAR analyst Mamba Smith added.

Tricon Garage driver Kaden Honeycutt commented: ‘We will love and miss you Biff. May you and your Family RIP’.

Chevy driver Jeremy Clements paid tribute to Biffle by saying: ‘Life can be so tragically unfair. Greg was not only a great racer, but an even better person. The work he did helping deliver supplies after the hurricane spoke volumes about who he was. Please pray for the families of everyone who lost their lives on the plane, and for all who are grieving this heartbreaking loss.;

Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar shared a photo of him and Biffle celebrating on the track and put: ‘this moment means so much more. something i will remember forever. heartbreaking day. RIP’.

Jordan Anderson Racing’s Jeb Burton added: ‘Horrible news today praying for everyone involved that lost loved ones. Greg was always super nice and supportive of me he was a great racer and person.’

The CARS Racing Tour posted: ‘Our hearts are with the entire Biffle family, their loved ones, and everyone else involved during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences on behalf of the CARS Tour community.’

Mitchell declared it ‘the worst day ever’ after sharing a heartwarming memory with Biffle

One NASCAR fan also commented: ‘Great racecar driver. Better person. F*** man. So sad. Terrible day. Feel so bad for his entire family. Life is so cruel. RIP #16. American hero.’ 

Biffle started his NASCAR career in 1995 and went on to become one of just three drivers to win a championship in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. 

He was also named the 2001 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Busch Series before going on to become 2002 champion.

The racing icon married wife Cristina Grossu in 2023. They had one child together in Ryder, while Biffle also shared daughter Emma with ex-wife Nicole Lunders.

GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company linked to Biffle, owns the aircraft. It is not immediately clear if Biffle was on board. 

A statement released by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families reads: ‘We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders).

‘Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.

‘Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.

‘Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.

‘We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.

‘At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.’

Images showed the inferno ripping through the jet – which can cost as much as $2.5 million – as thick black smoke was seen blanketing the air. 

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land. 

Preliminary flight tracking shows that the aircraft left Statesville Regional Airport, which is about 45 miles north of Charlotte, at around 10 am, CNN reported. 

Biffle started his NASCAR career in 1995 and went on to become one of just three drivers to win a championship in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series

The racing great, pictured with President Donald Trump in February, was also named the 2001 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Busch Series

It traveled about five miles before turning back toward the airport, although it is unclear why. 

Low clouds and visibility of less than three miles were reported in the area of the crash around the time it happened. 

There was also light drizzling that abruptly turned into heavy rainfall in the area, according to Fox Weather. 

The plane never flew higher than 2,000 feet above the ground, according to FlightAware data. 

The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board and the North Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating the harrowing incident.

A representative for the Iredell County Sheriff told the Daily Mail that units from multiple agencies are on the scene. 

Witnesses who were at nearby Lakewood Golf Club said the plane was flying ‘way to low’ before it came down.