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.
Local News
Sevierville Homeowner Shaelyn Baggett Finds Human Teeth Emerging From Yard, Prompting Multi-Agency Investigation
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — A Sevierville resident has made a disturbing and highly unusual discovery on her own property, prompting an active investigation by multiple authorities after human teeth were found emerging from the ground.
Homeowner Shaelyn Baggett said the initial discovery occurred earlier this week when she noticed what appeared to be teeth visible in her yard.
She later found an additional tooth, bringing the total number recovered to eight.
Law enforcement has since become involved, and officials have confirmed that the remains are human.
According to Baggett, the discovery was made when she looked down and saw what appeared to be teeth protruding from the soil.
“By uncovered, I mean I looked down and there they were — literally sprouting from the earth,” she said.
The finding prompted an immediate response from authorities.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, along with forensic investigators, the medical examiner, a dental professional, and anthropologists, are now working collaboratively to determine the origin and age of the teeth.
Officials have stated that while the teeth are confirmed to be human, they appear to be old, though investigators have not yet determined their exact age or how long they may have been buried.
No conclusions have been drawn regarding whether the discovery is connected to criminal activity, historical remains, or another explanation.
Baggett said she has been informed that excavation work is expected, which may include digging into portions of her yard and driveway as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are continuing to examine the surrounding area for additional remains or evidence that could clarify how the teeth came to be located on the property.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released further details at this time.
Baggett has said she plans to continue sharing updates publicly as more information becomes available.