Retired NASCAR Driver, Family Among 7 Dead in Jet Crash

A business jet crash in North Carolina on Thursday killed all seven people on board, including a retired NASCAR driver and his family, authorities said.

The aircraft had just taken off from Statesville Airport, north of Charlotte, when it turned back to land and subsequently crashed, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported.

Among the victims was former NASCAR racer Greg Biffle, confirmed by race officials. Biffle was widely recognized for his success on the track and his humanitarian work after retiring from racing.

Also killed were Biffle’s wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, and the couple’s two children, according to a statement from a family friend and Republican member of Congress representing North Carolina.

A local lawmaker described the family as dedicated to helping others and expressed deep sorrow over their deaths.

Weather conditions at the time of the crash may have been a factor, with reports of drizzle and low cloud ceilings in the area.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is sending a team to investigate the crash of the Cessna Citation C550 and expects to arrive at the scene on Thursday night.