NASCAR’s Greg Biffle, Wife Cristina and 2 Kids Killed in Plane Crash
The Biffle family inspired countless people before their untimely deaths.
Just hours before former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his wife Cristina Gusso died in a plane crash alongside their two kids, the mom had offered a moving message to her social media followers.
In what has become her final Instagram Story, Cristina encouraged people to follow their dreams by re-sharing an inspirational post about Martha Stewart‘s career path.
“At 30, Martha Stewart hadn’t started a business,” it read. “At 35, she launched her catering company. At 58, she became a billionaire.”
The original post from Boss Babe was captioned, “These stories are your reminder that you’re not behind…you’re right on time.”
But her last post isn’t the only way Cristina inspired others. Indeed, the Biffle family is being remembered for their big hearts, with their friend, Rep. Richard Hudson, sharing his touching final conversation with Cristina in the wake of their deaths.
“The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago,” the North Carolina congressman shared on X Dec. 18, “she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were.”
In addition to volunteering to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica last month, the family also helped local families in 2024 following Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the Tar Heel State. As the representative put it, “The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions.”
“They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” he continued. “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.”
Greg Biffle/Instagram
The couple—who died alongside their son Ryder, 5, and Greg’s daughter Emma, 14, who he shared with his ex-wife Nicole Lunders—were likewise recognized for their service by NASCAR.
“Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community,” the organization said in a Dec. 18 statement. “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.”
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
And aside from his charity work, Greg—who won championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series—was beloved by those closest to him.
“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 racing association’s statement read. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”
NASCAR added, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
The cause of the plane crash—which took place Dec. 18 in Statesville. N.C.—is still being investigated, though Accuweather Vice President of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin confirmed weather conditions at the airport were “adverse,” according to local outlet The Charlotte Observer.
“Heavy drizzle and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet were reported at 10:15 a.m,” he said. “The cloud ceiling had reportedly lowered to around 400 feet, with heavy rain reducing visibility to less than 2 miles at 10:30 a.m.”
In addition to the four family members, Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton also died in the tragic accident, according to NASCAR.
To see more of the Biffle family, look back on their lives in photos.
Logan Riely/SRX via Getty Images
Support On and Off the Track
Greg Biffle had his loved ones by his side for life’s fastest moments. The NASCAR legend shared 5-year-old son Ryder with wife Cristina Gusso, and 14-year-old daughter Emma with his ex-wife Nicole Lunders.
Jared Tilton/SRX/Getty Images
Sharing His World
The driver made sure to share his love of racing with his kids.
Greg Biffle/Instagram
Life Biggest Moments…
Greg took his foot off the gas and slipped it into a dress shoe for a father-daughter dance with Emma.
Greg Biffle/Instagram
And Its Simplest
In addition to racing, Greg instilled a love of fishing in Ryder.
Greg Biffle/Instagram
Enduring Love
The racecar driver and Cristina took advantage of every moment together.
Greg Biffle/Instagram
Celebrating Milestones
Greg and Cristina celebrated Ryder’s 5th birthday with balloons and, of course, some new racecars.
Greg Biffle/Instagram
Better Together
Greg never shied away from showing off his and Cristina’s date nights.
Greg Biffle/Instagram
Grateful
When Greg was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, his family were by his side to celebrate.
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