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Multiple families are dealing with an unspeakable tragedy. After a plane crash in North Carolina killed race car driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu, and their two children, as well as three other people on board, the passengers' families have spoken out about their grief.
"We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones," read a joint statement from the families released by NASCAR on December 18. "This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words."
Their relatives remembered Greg and Cristina, a realtor and travel agent, as "devoted parents and active philanthropists," saying their lives revolved around their son Ryder, 5, and Greg's daughter Emma, 14, who died in the Dec. 18 crash at Statesville Regional Airport.
Emma, whom the 55-year-old shared with ex-wife Nicole Lunders, was remembered as "a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people," while Ryder "was an active, curious, and infinitely joyful child."
Cristina's mother, Cathy Grossu, told People that the Biffles were on their way to Florida for a birthday vacation when their Cessna Citation jet crashed onto the runway while attempting to land at 10:15 a.m.
"To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip that was just such a fun time for the family," she told a news organization. "And to see how horrifically it ended, it's just so difficult to bear. "I can't believe they're gone."
Cathy last heard from her daughter just moments before the collision.
"She texted me from the plane: 'We're in trouble.'" "That was it," Cathy said through tears. "We are devastated. We're heartbroken.
In addition to the Biffle family, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth died in the accident, which is still being investigated.
"Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them," the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families said in a joint statement. "Craig Wadsworth was adored by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by all who knew him. Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence creates an insurmountable void in our lives."
"We ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss," according to them. "We are thankful 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.”
