The identities of three others who died in Thursday\u2019s plane crash that killed retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family have been disclosed in a joint statement released by the victims\u2019 families, as they speak out for the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,\u201d the statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families, shared by Fox Sports motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass on X, reads.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg\u2019s daughter Emma (mother \u2013 Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, the family members shared the identities of the three other victims.<\/p>\n
\u201cDennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wadsworth was a well-known figure along the NASCAR circuit who once drove retired NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace\u2019s motorhome, he shared in a post on Instagram.<\/p>\n
The statement continued, \u201cEach of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle and their five-year-old son Ryder were aboard the plane, as was Biffle\u2019s 14-year-old daughter Emma, whom he shared with ex-wife Nicole Lunders.<\/p>\n
The Cessna C550 crashed and exploded into a fireball while landing in inclement weather at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville at around 10:15 a.m., according to the Associated Press.<\/p>\n
The business jet had taken off from the airport \u2014 which is about 45 miles north of Charlotte \u2014 shortly after 10 a.m. before attempting to return to the airport.<\/p>\n
According to family friend Garrett Mitchell, the plane was en route to Florida at the time of the accident.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane,\u201d Mitchell posted on Facebook.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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