In a poignant twist that has deepened the grief surrounding the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of NASCAR Hall of Famer Greg Biffle and six others, friends and loved ones have begun receiving the family’s holiday cards mailed just days before the disaster. The cards, arriving in mailboxes amid the holiday season, feature a joyful family photo and a heartfelt message urging recipients to embrace the magic of Christmas—words that now carry an unintended layer of sorrow, serving as an unwitting farewell from the Biffle family.
Greg Biffle, 55, a racing legend with 19 Cup Series victories and a storied career spanning over two decades, perished alongside his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, 35, their daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5, in the December 18, 2025, crash near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. Also lost were close friends Dennis Dutton, a commercial pilot, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. The group was en route to Sarasota, Florida, for a celebratory birthday trip honoring Biffle’s upcoming 56th birthday on December 23. The Cessna Citation 550, owned by Biffle, took off around 10 a.m. but encountered issues mere minutes into the flight, leading to a desperate attempt to return to the runway.
Witnesses reported the jet approaching too low, clipping trees and the airport’s lighting system before erupting into a fireball and skidding short of the landing strip. No Mayday was declared, but chilling final communications emerged: Cristina texted her mother, Cathy Grossu, “We’re in trouble,” moments before impact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and is examining avionics, engines, and maintenance records to determine if mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors contributed. Preliminary reports note erratic altitude changes and the absence of severe weather as a primary cause.
The holiday cards, postmarked before the crash, began surfacing in the days following, amplifying the heartbreak. One recipient, longtime friend Ron Herbert, a North Carolina restaurant owner, discovered the card in his mailbox on December 21—three days after the tragedy. He shared it on Instagram, captioning, “I received this in the mail today. My words can’t say enough about the family.” The card depicts the Biffles in coordinated outfits—blue jeans and white T-shirts—smiling warmly in front of flocked Christmas trees and garland, embodying holiday cheer. The message reads: “We hope that you are able to slow down and enjoy the magic and joy that this season has to offer. We hope you have a great New Year! Sending love, Greg, Cristina, Emma & Ryder.”
Reactions poured in online, with commenters describing it as “a last warm hug” from the family. One wrote, “It’s like they knew close friends and family would need one last message to cherish.” Cathy Grossu, devastated by the loss, recalled her daughter’s final text and emphasized the family’s happiness prior to the flight: “They were happy… But they’re gone.” Tributes from the racing world, including from YouTuber Cleetus McFarland (whom they were visiting), highlighted Biffle’s mentorship and the profound void left behind: “The last year and a half with him has been some of the greatest moments of my life.”
This incident underscores the fragility of life, even for those accustomed to high-stakes environments like the racetrack. Biffle, who retired from full-time competition in 2016 but remained influential through aviation ventures and commentary, leaves a legacy of resilience and family devotion. As investigations continue, with a full NTSB report expected in months, the community rallies in mourning, turning the holidays into a time of reflection on cherished memories. The cards, now treasured mementos, remind us to hold loved ones close amid unforeseen tragedies.
