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
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an “overwhelming danger to society.” The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.