Greg Biffle, Cristina Biffle, Ryder Biffle, Emma Biffle, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth die in fatal Statesville, North Carolina plane crash

Greg Biffle, Cristina Biffle, Ryder Biffle, Emma Biffle, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth die in fatal Statesville, North Carolina plane crash
Fatal Statesville, North Carolina plane crash deaths of Greg Biffle, Cristina Biffle, Ryder Biffle, Emma Biffle, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth – Obituary

Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, their children Ryder Biffle, 5, and Emma Biffle, 14, along with Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, were all killed in a tragic plane crash in North Carolina last month. The seven victims were remembered during a public memorial service held in Charlotte that drew hundreds of fans, friends, and colleagues from the racing community.

The memorial service took place at Bojangles Coliseum and was livestreamed on NASCAR-affiliated platforms. Attendees gathered to honor the lives lost in the crash, which occurred as the aircraft attempted to return to Statesville Regional Airport shortly after takeoff, according to authorities.

Investigators said the group was traveling aboard a Cessna C550 that went down near Statesville, about an hour north of Charlotte. The aircraft struck the ground and erupted into flames while attempting an emergency landing. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

Before entering the coliseum, mourners paused in the parking lot to view several of the race cars driven by Biffle during his NASCAR career. Inside the arena, images of all seven victims were displayed above a central memorial platform as the service got underway.

Several speakers were scheduled to share remarks, including longtime racing figures and members of the Biffle family. Greg Biffle, 55, was widely known for his 18-year NASCAR career and was recognized as one of the sport’s top 75 drivers. He was also praised for humanitarian efforts as a helicopter pilot delivering aid following Hurricane Helene.

The crash occurred just days before Christmas and sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world. Family members later shared deeply personal reflections, including a letter written by Nicole Biffle expressing grief over the loss of her daughter Emma, who had been feeling unwell prior to the flight.

Authorities have also confirmed that sheriff’s deputies are investigating a reported break-in at Biffle’s home in Mooresville that occurred after the crash. Meanwhile, the focus of the day remained on honoring the lives and legacies of the seven individuals lost in the devastating aviation tragedy.