NASCAR champion Greg Biffle’s wife Cristina sent a text to her mom telling her she and her family were ‘in trouble’ just moments before the plane crash that killed them.
Cristina’s mother, Cathy Grossu, shared details of the haunting last text from her daughter with People on Thursday, December 18.
“She texted me from the plane and she said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ And that was it,” an emotional Grossu told the outlet. “So we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.”
Cristina, Greg, 55, their son Ryder, 5, and Greg’s daughter Emma, 14, from a previous relationship all died when their plane crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina on Thursday. Family friend and NASCAR driver Craig Wadsworth died as well, along with pilot Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack.
Grossu told People that the family were on a “birthday trip” and admitted she was still grappling with the devastating event.
“To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip, that was just such a fun time for the family,” she told the outlet. “And to see the horrific way that it ended, it’s just, it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they’re gone.”
Grossu also spoke about her final moments shared with her late family members, who had visited her house one day prior to the crash.
“I don’t remember what the last words that I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder,” she said. “I don’t remember. I know we hugged, but I don’t remember those last words and that’s going to haunt me. But they were happy.”
Greg Biffle. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Following the fatal plane crash, the extended family of those on board issued a statement.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” the statement read.
“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the families said. “Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders).”
The statement noted teenager Emma was “a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people,” while Ryder was described as “an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”
Dutton and his son, Jack, were described as “deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.” The statement also said Wadsworth was “beloved by many in the NASCAR community.”
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement continued. “We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.”
The statement concluded, “At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
Greg was best known for his stellar NASCAR career, where he earned 19 wins and finished in the top 10 in the NASCAR Cup standings six times. He received the honor of being named one of the 75 greatest NASCAR drivers of all time in 2023.
NASCAR released an official statement on Thursday in the wake of the deaths.
“The NASCAR family is devastated at the loss of Greg Biffle, who was one of our 75 greatest drivers and became known for his relentless post-career humanitarian work,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest condolences.”
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