A devastating plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday claimed the lives of seven people, including NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina and their two children, after a haunting text message warned of impending disaster.
The tragedy unfolded around 10:15 a.m. when Biffle’s Cessna C550 private jet slammed into the runway and burst into flames at the North Carolina airport, located approximately 45 minutes from Charlotte.
Cathy Grossu, Cristina Biffle’s mother, disclosed that her daughter sent her a brief but chilling message just moments before the crash occurred.
The three-word text simply read: “We’re in trouble.”
“She texted me from the plane and she said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ And that was it,” Grossu stated through tears while speaking to People. “So we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.”
The aircraft was transporting the family to Sarasota, Florida, for what was intended to be a birthday celebration trip when catastrophe struck.
Among the deceased were Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, their five-year-old son Ryder, and Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma.
Also killed in the crash were Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR figure, and Dennis Dutton along with his son Jack, according to a statement released by the families.
Grossu expressed the profound anguish of losing her loved ones during what should have been a joyful occasion.
“To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip, that was just such a fun time for the family,” she said.
“And to see the horrific way that it ended, it’s just, it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they’re gone.”
The grieving mother revealed she had seen the family just hours before their departure when they visited her home that morning.
“I don’t remember what the last words that I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder,” Grossu 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.”
Flight data analysis suggests the aircraft may have experienced mechanical difficulties.
WCNC chief meteorologist Brad Panovich examined public flight records and noted the plane had taken off from the airport before circling back for the fatal landing attempt.
The Federal Aviation Authority confirmed to the Daily Mail that the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport. Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene, where the aircraft was observed engulfed in flames.
NASCAR released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of one of its most accomplished drivers and his family.
“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,” the statement read.
“His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport,” it continued.
Biffle’s racing career included championships in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, along with multiple victories and honors in the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR also highlighted Biffle’s recent humanitarian efforts.
