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Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, their daughter, Emma, and son, Ryder, were among the six people killed in a private plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday (December 18), Iredell County officials confirmed via WCNC.
Garrett Mitchell, better known by his social media moniker 'Cleetus McFarland,' confirmed that the Biffles were killed in the plane crash in a statement shared on his Facebook account.
"Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane," Mitchell wrote. "Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this."
Biffle's company, GB Aviation, owned the Cessna C550 business jet that crashed Thursday at approximately 10:15 a.m. at Statesville Regional Airport, which is located about 45 miles north of Charlotte, according to the tail number, N257BW, listed on the Federal Aviation Administration's website. The plane was reportedly en route to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport at the time of the crash.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the Cessna C550 aircraft crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina and enroute to SRQ this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with those on board and with their families and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts also go out to the first responders who we know are diligently working to assist all those involved," said Paul L. Hoback Jr., the chief executive officer of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority.
Biffle won 19 races, recorded 13 poles and finished with 175 top tens during his NASCAR Cup Series career; 20 wins, 14 poles and 149 top tens in his NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series carer; and 17 wins, 12 poles and 55 top tens in his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career.