Aqueous @ Town Ballroom – NYE2018

NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, and their children were killed in a plane crash on Thursday in North Carolina.

Biffle and his family were on board a private jet when the plane crashed and burst into flames at an airport in Statesville, North Carolina, at about 10:20 a.m. ET, where low clouds, rain and poor visibility were reported.

Rep. Richard Hudson announced their deaths in a post on X:

"I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. 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. The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss."

It's unclear what caused the crash. The investigation was ongoing.

Biffle was nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame this year. He raced 14 full-time seasons, collecting 19 wins in over 500 starts, and was a perennial playoff contender. Biffle finished in the top 10 in the standings six times, including a runner-up finish in 2005.

The Hall of Fame called Biffle one of NASCAR’s 75 "greatest drivers."