A private jet crashed at a regional North Carolina airport, taking the lives of seven individuals, including the esteemed NASCAR star Greg Biffle, along with his wife, son, and daughter. The incident occurred Thursday morning shortly after the Cessna C550 jet took off from Statesville Regional Airport, located around 45 miles north of Charlotte. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft attempted to return to the airport when it ultimately crashed and caught fire. Video footage showed emergency responders rushing to the scene, where flames engulfed the wreckage.

The cause of the crash remains unknown, with investigators indicating that it is too early to reach any conclusions. Weather conditions included light drizzle and cloud cover during the flight.

In a heartfelt statement from the victims’ families, it was confirmed that all seven onboard included Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their son Ryder, and their daughter Emma, alongside friends Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Dutton’s son, Jack. The NASCAR community has expressed deep sorrow for the losses, as each individual was cherished and well-respected.

Biffle, who had a remarkable career with over 50 race victories in NASCAR, was celebrated not only for his achievements but also for his camaraderie and support in the racing world. The Cessna C550 aircraft, known for its reliability, was registered to a company owned by Biffle and was intended for a trip to Florida and the Bahamas before the tragic accident occurred.