Racing icons Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Mario Andretti share emotional tributes after untimely death of Greg Biffle and family 

Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family died in a plane crash on December 18 in Statesville, North Carolina. Moved by the news, motorsports icons Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, and Mario Andretti penned tributes to the deceased.

Biffle’s wife, their 14-year-old daughter, Emma, and their 7-year-old son, Ryde,r were among the ones who lost their lives. The crash also killed three others: Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.

Jeff Gordon, who once competed in the NASCAR Cup Series alongside Biffle, was devastated by the news. He shared his condolences on X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote,

“Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.”

Richard “The King” Petty also expressed his sorrow through X. He shared an old picture with Biffle and captioned it,

“Richard Petty and the Petty Family are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle and his family. Greg was not only a fearless competitor, but someone who showed that same fearlessness in his generosity to others. Our deepest condolences to their loved ones.”

Mario Andretti, who drove in Formula One from 1968 to 1982 and IndyCar from 1964 to 1994, also sent his prayers to Biffle's family.

“It will forever be the #GregBiffleCrash,” Andretti wrote. “What a sad & shocking day. I'm praying for Greg, Cristina and little angels Emma and Ryder. Also for peace and strength to Emma's mom Nicole Lunders . Greg... a star driver and a star in his second act as a humanitarian.”

Greg Biffle became the talk of the NASCAR community when he and his team carried out several rescue missions and extensive relief work to help civilians during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in late September. He was 55 at the time of his death.

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Cleetus McFarland reveals that Greg Biffle and his family were supposed to “spend the afternoon” with him

Internet sensation and NASCAR enthusiast Cleetus McFarland, who was also a longtime friend of Greg Biffle, confirmed the news of the former’s death. He also mentioned that Biffle was actually supposed to spend the afternoon with his family.

Shortly after the news surfaced, McFarland wrote on Facebook,

“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane...because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this.”

Authorities are investigating the matter. The actual cause of the crash, as well as the reason the plane was returning to the airport despite drizzle and clouds, remains unknown.

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Edited by Tushhita Barua