The heartbroken mother-in-law of late NASCAR star Greg Biffle has revealed she was sent a chilling text message pre-empting their tragic plane crash just minutes before it occurred.
Seven people were killed on Thursday after a Cessna C550 private jet, owned by the 55-year-old racing driver, crashed on the runway at Statesville Regional Airport around 10.15am.
The plane, which was on its way to Sarasota, Florida, was seen engulfed in flames as emergency crews rushed to the terrifying scene, about 45 minutes from Charlotte.
And now more tragic news is emerging, after Cristina Biffle’s mom Cathy Grossu revealed in an interview that the group appeared to know the plane was going to go down.
Speaking to People, the NASCAR star’s mother-in-law revealed her daughter sent a three-word message just minutes before the crash, simply reading: ‘We’re in trouble.’
‘She texted me from the plane and she said, “We’re in trouble.” And that was it,’ Cathy explained, while in tears. ‘So we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.’
The mother of Greg Biffle’s wife Cristina (who he is pictured with) has revealed their message
The plane crashed at Statesville Regional Airport before a massive fire erupted on the runway
A total of seven people died in the crash, including Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma and son Ryder. Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton were also killed, according to a statement from the families.
Cristina’s mom has also revealed that the group were heading to Florida for a ‘birthday trip’ when the horrifying crash occurred.
‘To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip, that was just such a fun time for the family,’ she added. ‘And to see the horrific way that it ended, it’s just, it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they’re gone.’
She also talked through the last time she had seen Cristina and Greg, just hours earlier when they had visited her at her house.
‘I don’t remember what the last words that I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder,’ she explained. ‘I don’t remember. I know we hugged, but I don’t remember those last words and that’s going to haunt me. But they were happy.’
Cristina Biffle’s mom Cathy Grossu (second right) revealed the heartbreaking final message
Biffle is seen taking a selfie with President Donald Trump in February in Daytona Beach, Florida
The plane initially took off from the airport then circled back before the deadly landing, meaning there might have been a mechanical issue, WCNC’s Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich, said after looking at public flight data.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land.
Following their sudden deaths, NASCAR issued an emotional statement.
‘NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash,’ the organization told the Daily Mail.
‘Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and 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 NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR 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.’
Grossu was a realtor, CEO of My Replica Ring, and a travel agent for CG Luxe Travel, according to her Instagram account.
Biffle is seen with his wife, Cristina, their five-year-old son, Ryder and Biffle’s daughter, Emma. All four died in the horrifying plane crash on Thursday
A clip of Biffle surprising his wife with a ‘date night’ resurfaced as a tragic final memory
The couple often posted pictures together online at family and racing events.
The deaths were confirmed by high-profile family friends, including North Carolina US Congressman Richard Hudson.
‘I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,’ Hudson wrote in a tribute on X.
‘Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well’.