Seven people were on board a private plane owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle when it crashed in North Carolina, killing everyone aboard — including Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, Ryder and Emma.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed during a late-afternoon press conference on Thursday, Dec. 18, that all seven passengers died as a result of the crash.

“It is believed, of those seven occupants, that Mr. Greg Biffle, 55 years old, and his immediate family, were on board the aircraft,” First Sergeant Christopher Knox told reporters per People. “The reason we can’t give you a definitive list of those seven occupants, is because of the post-crash fire.”

Biffle and his family were among the seven people killed in the crash, according to Rep. Richard Hudson, a North Carolina congressman and longtime family friend. Biffle married his wife, Cristina Grossu, in 2022, and the couple shared a 5-year-old son, Ryder. He was also the father of a 14-year-old daughter, Emma, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Nicole Lunders.

Early reports confirmed that the plane involved in the crash was owned by Biffle, but authorities did not immediately release the identities of those who died.

Speaking with local station WSOC, a witness who was near Lakewood Golf Club said the plane appeared to be flying “way too low” shortly before it crashed. WSOC also reported that its news helicopter was forced to turn back because of poor weather, with conditions limiting visibility around the airport to about five miles while crews were trying to reach the crash site.

Greg Biffle is a former American professional stock car racing driver best known for his long and successful career in NASCAR. Born on Dec. 23, 1969, in Vancouver, Washington, Biffle rose through the racing ranks after moving south to pursue motorsports full time. He quickly gained attention for his aggressive driving style and consistency on the track.

Biffle achieved rare success by winning championships in two of NASCAR’s top national series. He captured the NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2000 and followed it with an Xfinity Series (then Busch Series) championship in 2002. He went on to compete full time in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he drove primarily for Roush Fenway Racing and earned 19 Cup Series victories, including wins in marquee races such as the Southern 500 and the Coca-Cola 600.

Known as a fan favorite, Biffle remained a competitive presence in NASCAR for nearly two decades. Outside racing, he was also recognized for his interest in aviation and outdoor sports.