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
Tater Johnson killed after bus carrying Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team rolled over in Calhoun County
CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa — One person has died and multiple others were injured following a rollover bus crash on Highway 4 in Calhoun County, Iowa, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Officials later identified the victim as 19-year-old Tater Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:06 a.m., when the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting that a bus operated by Iowa Lakes Community College had crashed.
A state trooper arrived at the scene within minutes, the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency said in a release.
Preliminary findings indicate the bus left the roadway and overturned into a ditch. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
A total of 33 individuals were on board at the time of the crash, and officials confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Given the number of victims, emergency responders declared a Mass Casualty Incident, prompting a large-scale response from local fire departments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies.
Thirty-two passengers were triaged at the scene and transported to several area hospitals. Injuries were reported to range from minor to serious, and multiple medical helicopters were requested to assist with the rapid transport of critically injured patients.
Officials also clarified that six occupants traveling in a separate Iowa Lakes van were not involved in the crash.
Iowa Lakes Community College confirmed that members of its baseball team were aboard the bus at the time of the accident. The team was traveling to Arkansas for a scheduled game against the North Arkansas Pioneers.
In a statement, the college said it would not immediately release additional names or details but emphasized that institutional leaders are working closely with local authorities to gather more information.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” the college said. “The College is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families.”
Iowa Highway 4 was closed in both directions following the crash, which occurred just north of the Twin Lakes area, as emergency crews worked to treat victims and secure the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.
U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, expressed concern following the incident.
“I am deeply concerned about this accident and grateful to our local law enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, first responders, and medical professionals who have been quickly responding at the scene,” Feenstra said.
The North Arkansas Pioneers also released a statement on social media offering support to those impacted.
“We ask our entire community to please lift up everyone involved, their families, and the entire Iowa Lakes community in prayer during this difficult time.”
Authorities are expected to release additional updates as the investigation progresses.