NASCAR champion Greg Biffle’s wife sent a chilling text message “We’re in trouble” to her mother moments before their private jet crashed on December 18, 2025, killing all seven passengers aboard including two young children.
Story Highlights
- Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, and five others died in a private jet crash en route to the Bahamas
- Cristina’s final text “We’re in trouble” to her mother revealed passengers knew of impending danger
- The crash claimed the lives of two children – 5-year-old Ryder and 14-year-old Emma Biffle
- Former NASCAR champion was piloting the aircraft himself when the tragedy occurred
Fatal Flight Details and Timeline
The private jet departed for Sarasota, Florida, as a planned stopover before continuing to the Bahamas on December 18, 2025. FlightAware tracking data confirmed the aircraft’s route toward the Florida destination. Greg Biffle, a certified pilot, was operating the aircraft alongside at least one other professional pilot. The family was traveling to their favorite vacation destination, which held special significance as the location where Greg and Cristina were married in 2022.
Cristina Biffle sent her final message to her mother, Cathy Grossu, in the moments before impact. The three-word text “We’re in trouble” provides haunting evidence that passengers were aware of the aircraft’s distress. This communication suggests the emergency developed rapidly, giving those aboard minimal time to respond to whatever mechanical or operational crisis had emerged during the flight.
Victims Identified in Christmas Season Tragedy
The crash claimed seven lives, devastating multiple families during the Christmas season. Greg Biffle, 55, was the NASCAR champion and humanitarian known for his racing achievements and charitable work. His wife Cristina, 35, had recently built a blended family with Greg, bringing together children from his previous marriage. Five-year-old Ryder was their son together, while 14-year-old Emma was Greg’s daughter from his prior marriage to Nicole Lunders.
Three additional passengers died in the crash: family friend Craig Wadsworth and father-son duo Dennis and Jack Dutton. The Duttons’ specific relationship to the Biffle family remains unclear, but they were traveling as part of the vacation group. All victims were killed instantly in the crash, according to initial reports from authorities investigating the scene.
Family Privacy Requests Amid Investigation
The extended Biffle family released a joint statement requesting privacy during their grieving process. “Each of them meant everything to us,” the statement read. “We ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we grieve.” NASCAR issued official condolences, noting their devastation over losing the respected former driver and his family members. The racing organization emphasized Biffle’s contributions both on and off the track throughout his career.
Investigation details remain limited as federal authorities likely begin standard crash analysis procedures. No NTSB findings have been released regarding potential causes, mechanical failures, or flight data recorder information. The crash highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding private aviation, particularly when celebrity pilots operate aircraft with family members aboard. Further investigation results will determine whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or pilot error contributed to this devastating loss of life.
Sources:
Greg Biffle Plane Crash: Flight Details, Victims + Final Text – Taste of Country
Haunting Text Sent By Greg Biffle’s Wife Just Before Plane Crash Revealed – iHeart Radio
