NASCAR legend Greg Biffle risked his own life to save hundreds of others before his own death.

The motor racing star was killed alongside his wife and two young children in a plane crash on Thursday.

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Greg Biffle saved hundreds of lives with his Hurricane Helene relief effortsCredit: Instagram / gbiffle
 


Biffle with wife Cristina and children Emma and Ryder following the fatal crashCredit: Instagram/cristinagbiffle
 


The fiery wreckage of the plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport, North CarolinaCredit: X/nick_dudley
The family reportedly died in a fiery private jet crash in Statesville Regional Airport, about 40 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Biffle’s wife Cristina Grossu, daughter Emma, and their son, Ryder, are understood to have been on board.

The NASCAR icon is a trained pilot, who has saved hundreds of lives over the years.

He selflessly fought for his community in North Carolina in the Hurricane Helene relief effort.

The 55-year-old used his own helicopter, plane and boats to help others in, and around, the devastation.

“6 months ago we left Statesville airport to head towards the mountains our state and others were horribly affected by hurricane Helene,” he said in a post.

“I drove through blowing rock yesterday and it was crazy to see so much debris still around the water after 6 months glad to see businesses starting to come back!”

Thousands of tributes have already poured in following the news of his feared death.

Six people, including the family of four are understood to have died in the airport tragedy.

His plane is said to have just taken off when it came back around to land again.

The Cessna C550 went down shortly after departing Statesville Regional Airport at around 10.15am ET.

“I’m sure there’s 1,000,000 other posts out there,” said meteorologist Chris Jackson on X.

“It cannot be stated how vital Greg Biffle was in organizing the western NC Helene relief effort which was among one of the largest civilian humanitarian missions ever on American soil.

“The world didn’t just lose a NASCAR great today.

“The world lost a great man and great family that selflessly stepped up and used their resources for the greater good to help total strangers during their greatest time of need.

“Rest in peace.”

Another added, “It’s confirmed that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their 14 year-old daughter Emma & 5 year-old son Ryder were killed in the plane crash in North Carolina.

“You’ll see stories of the heroic efforts Greg personally did & orchestrated in Hurricane Helene.”

And the United Cajan Navy said, “The @Unitedcajunnavy mourns the loss of @gbiffle and family members this morning.

“Greg was devoted to North Carolina and saved countless lives after Hurricane Helene.

“He was responsible for massive donations of propane that were distributed by our volunteers. Rest in power.”


Biffin was a popular name on the Nascar circuit over the yearsCredit: Getty