NASCAR's Greg Biffle Estate Sued for Wrongful Deaths

The estate of the late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle is on the receiving end of two wrongful death lawsuits, each amounting to $15 million. Said lawsuits were filed by the Dutton family's estate earlier this week. They claim that Biffle was responsible for the fatal plane crash on Dec. 18, 2025, that took seven lives: Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children, and father/son pair Dennis and Jack Dutton. The aircraft involved, a Cessna 500 Citation II, was owned by Biffle.

Per ESPN, the lawsuits allege that Biffle "was responsible for ensuring the plane was properly maintained" and that "inadequate maintenance and upkeep contributed to the crash." Piloted by Dennis Dutton, the plane crashed shortly after it took off from the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. It burst into flames upon hitting the ground 10 minutes after takeoff, not even a mile from the runway.

According to ESPN, the Cessna's altimeter gave Dutton incorrect readings. Jack, who was the copilot, seized control of the aircraft before the tragic crash.

The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) stated that neither Jack Dutton nor Biffle had the proper endorsements on their pilot's licenses to sit in the copilot's seat. Only Dennis Dutton was "rated on the Citation II." An investigation into the crash by the NTSB is ongoing. Jeff Guzzetti, an aviation safety consultant with over 35 years of experience under his belt, shared with ESPN his belief that an inexperienced copilot contributed significantly to the crash.

Biffle competed professionally in NASCAR from 2002 to 2022. His notable accolades include an induction into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame and winning the Busch Series Rookie of the Year award in 2001. In 2023, he was named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers. That same year, he married Cristina Grossu, and their only child together (Biffle's second) was born in 2020.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM.