Local News
Victims Killed in Plane Crash at Statesville Regional Airport Identified
Joint Family Statement and Details Released Following Fatal Plane Crash Involving Greg Biffle and Family
Family members of those killed in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina released a joint statement expressing profound grief over the loss of their loved ones.
Joint Statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders Families
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.
Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives revolved around their children—Greg’s daughter, Emma (mother: Nicole Lunders), and their young son, Ryder. Emma was a kind, compassionate, and deeply loved young woman, while Ryder was an energetic, curious, and endlessly joyful child.
Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were also deeply loved, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth, a respected member of the NASCAR community, was cherished by many and will be greatly missed.
Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives. We ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are deeply grateful for the kindness and support extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.
At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Biffle, their children Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5, were among those killed when a Cessna C550 business jet crashed Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport, according to a statement posted by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.).
The aircraft, bearing tail number N257BW, was owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company owned by Biffle, according to federal aviation records.
Officials said the plane was en route to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed shortly after takeoff.
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children,” Hudson wrote. “They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans, but he will be remembered just as much for his generosity and service to others.”
Hudson also noted the family’s humanitarian efforts, writing that the Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, and that Cristina had recently reached out to ask how she could assist with relief efforts abroad.
Iredell County Sheriff Grant Campbell confirmed earlier that the crash resulted in fatalities, though officials initially withheld identities and the number of occupants pending family notification.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft crashed at approximately 10:20 a.m. Eastern Time, shortly after departing the airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FAA.
Video from the scene showed first responders rushing onto the runway, where flames and scattered wreckage were visible.
Witnesses at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club reported the aircraft was flying unusually low moments before the crash, with debris later found near the ninth hole.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville, who witnessed the crash. “It was scary.”
Beyond his racing career, Biffle was widely praised for his humanitarian work. Following Hurricane Helene, he used his personal helicopter to deliver supplies, communications equipment, and medical necessities to isolated communities in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
In one widely shared account, Biffle described locating a stranded family after spotting sunlight reflected from a mirror and making multiple difficult landing attempts to deliver food, fuel, insulin, and other critical supplies.
Biffle’s NASCAR career included:
- 19 Cup Series victories, including six wins in 2005
- Three consecutive Ford 400 victories from 2004 to 2006
- 20 Xfinity Series wins and the 2002 championship
- 17 Craftsman Truck Series victories, including the 2000 championship
He stepped away from full-time racing in 2016 before returning six years later.
Statesville Regional Airport serves corporate aviation operations and is frequently used by Fortune 500 companies and NASCAR teams, according to airport officials.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
UPDATE: Search efforts have been suspended following the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, marking another tragic loss for the city’s historic fishing community.
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted early Friday morning by the vessel’s emergency beacon after it activated in the water; no mayday call was received.
Responders located a debris field, an unoccupied life raft, and one deceased individual in the water.
Six other crew members remain missing and are presumed lost after an extensive air and sea search yielded no additional results.
The Coast Guard cited frigid water temperatures, challenging weather conditions, and the vast search area in its decision to suspend operations.
GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Authorities have identified all seven individuals who lost their lives after the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean sank approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, early Friday morning, marking a devastating loss for Gloucester’s historic fishing community.
The Lily Jean, a commercial fishing vessel measuring between 72 and 80 feet in length and homeported in Gloucester—the nation’s oldest working fishing port—activated its emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at approximately 6:50 a.m. Friday while returning to port.
No mayday call was received, and subsequent attempts to contact the vessel were unsuccessful.
The U.S. Coast Guard immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and multiple surface assets to the area of the distress signal.
Crews located a debris field and an unoccupied life raft roughly 25 miles offshore near the EPIRB activation site, confirming the vessel had sunk to the ocean floor. One deceased individual was recovered from the water.
The remaining six crew members were later presumed lost after extensive search efforts yielded no additional results.
Officials confirmed that seven people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident, revising earlier reports that indicated six.
The seven individuals who perished aboard the Lily Jean are:
- John Paul Rousanidis, 33, of Salem/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Sean Therrien, 44, of Lynn/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Freeman Short, of the Marshfield/Scituate area
- Captain Gus Sanfilippo, a well-known and respected Gloucester fisherman
- Paul Beal Sr., deckhand
- Paul Beal Jr., deckhand and son of Paul Beal Sr.
- Jada Samitt, 22, of Virginia
Jada Samitt, the seventh crew member identified, was serving aboard the vessel in the role of a federal fisheries observer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She had recently relocated to Massachusetts to pursue her passion for environmental biology, graduating last year. Family members said joining the Lily Jean crew was her first major professional role at sea and a lifelong dream.
Her aunt, Heather Michaels, described Samitt as a compassionate and driven young woman who deeply respected her captain and dedicated herself fully to her work. “She put her heart and soul into this opportunity,” family members said, noting her commitment to marine conservation and the fishing community.
Officials said the Lily Jean had reported taking on water shortly before contact was lost.
The vessel is now presumed fully submerged.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Gloucester’s close-knit maritime community.
Ashley Sullivan, a local business owner who knew the vessel’s owner, emphasized the daily risks faced by commercial fishermen. “I hope people really take a moment to understand the sacrifices these men and women make to put food on our tables,” she said. “This is heartbreaking.”
Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr also expressed condolences, highlighting Gloucester’s deep fishing heritage. “Gloucester has a long fishing history, and that history includes tragic loss,” Tarr said. “It appears we are experiencing another of those painful chapters.”
Governor Maura Healey released a statement saying she was “heartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester,” adding that her administration has offered full assistance to local officials and the Coast Guard. She extended prayers to the victims’ families and the broader fishing community across Cape Ann and the Commonwealth.
Community members and local businesses have continued to share messages of remembrance and solidarity. Taylor Hunt, a relative of Freeman Short, posted a tribute honoring the crew, writing in part: “The salt has been in our blood for generations… A man is not lost while the sea remembers his name. Fair winds and following seas.”
The Lily Jean had previously been featured on the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men, which documented the dangers and demands of New England’s commercial fishing industry.
While search operations have concluded, the Coast Guard and relevant agencies continue to review the circumstances surrounding the sinking. Officials have stated that further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.
Authorities have urged the public to keep the victims’ families and Gloucester’s fishing community in their thoughts and prayers during this period of profound loss.