A family member has revealed a heartbreaking final text she received moments before a plane crash killed former NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family.
Cathy Grossu, the mother of Biffle’s wife Cristina Grossu Biffle shared the message with People.
“She texted me from the plane and she said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ And that was it,” Cathy Grossu told the publication. “So, we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.”
Biffle’s Cessna C550 business jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina around 10:20 a.m. on Thursday. Biffle, Cristina, their son Ryder, his daughter Emma, Dennis Dutton, Dennis’ son Jack and Craig Wadsworth were all killed.
The group was headed to the Bahamas for a birthday trip, People reported. The plane was set to fly to Sarasota, Florida, before heading to the Caribbean.
“To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip, that was just such a fun time for the family,” Grossu told People. “And to see the horrific way that it ended, it’s just, it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they’re gone.”
The families of the victims released a joint statement confirming the tragedy on Thursday.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the joint statement read. “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.”
“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. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
Biffle, 55, had 19 career Cup Series wins and is one of three drivers that have won a championship in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.
The NASCAR Rookie of the Year in 2001, Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers in 2023.
