The final message sent by the wife of former NASCAR star Greg Biffle before they, along with their two children, were killed in a plane crash have been revealed.
A total of seven people were killed, including Biffle, his wife Cristina, and children Emma and Ryder, when a Cessna C550 crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport, investigators have said.
It is reported that the plane was due to travel to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, but had turned around after take-off and attempted to land back at its starting point before the crash.
Biffle, 56, raced in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for 15 years between 2002 and 2017, winning 19 races.
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He finished in second place in the championship in 2005 behind eventual winner Tony Stewart.
Though he never won the sport's iconic Daytona 500 race, he did win the Pepsi 400 at Daytona in his first full-time season as a NASCAR driver.
Biffle ran the No.16 car for his entire full-time career in NASCAR, and was partnered with Roush Fenway Racing.
In a statement confirming his death, NASCAR wrote: "Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, a friend to so many.
"His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
"On the track, Greg's talent and tenacity earned him championships in the Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series.
"Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives."
The mother of Biffle's wife Cristina spoke to People after the plane crash, and revealed the final text that her daughter sent her.
Cathy Grossu said that Cristina sent her a text that simply read 'We're in trouble' shortly before the crash occurred.
"She texted me from the plane and she said, 'We're in trouble'. And that was it.
"We're devastated. We're brokenhearted.
"To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip, that was just such a fun time for the family. And to see the horrific way that it ended, it's just, it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they're gone."
Grossu added that Biffle and Cathy were at her house the day before their death.
NASCAR drivers past and present have paid tribute to the family, with Jeff Gordon writing: "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."
Kurt Busch stated: "I am devastated to hear of the passing of my friend Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children Emma and Ryder.
"This kind of loss is impossible to understand, and I'm keeping their loved ones in my thoughts and prayers during this tragic time."
And Denny Hamlin wrote: "Today the motorsports world lost one of its fiercest competitors and kindest souls. Greg Biffle was a champion on the track and a humanitarian off it, whose impact reached far beyond racing.
"We also mourn the loss of his wife Cristina and children Emma & Ryder, along with Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack. My heart is with all their families and loved ones."
Topics: Motorsport, United States
Ryan Smart