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Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle among 7 killed in North Carolina plane crash

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Seven people were killed when a small plane crashed while landing at a regional airport in North Carolina, according to officials. The victims included former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and several members of his family.

The crash occurred at around 10:20 a.m. on Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA said a Cessna C550 crashed while landing and that seven people were on board.

The victims were identified by NASCAR as Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder, his daughter Emma, Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Jack Dutton. In a joint statement, the families of the victims said they were “devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” adding that “this tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”

“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash,” NASCAR said in a separate statement. The organization described Biffle as “more than a champion driver,” calling him “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many.”

NASCAR said Biffle won championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and earned numerous wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. It also noted his humanitarian work, saying, “Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.”

Video from the scene, including doorbell camera footage, showed the plane sliding along the runway while on fire at the local airport. Authorities said it remains unclear what led to the crash.

Statesville is located in western North Carolina, about 40 miles north of Charlotte. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

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