Inside Greg Biffle's Family Life Before Their Tragic Deaths in Plane Crash

Before NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Gusso and two children—Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14—tragically died in a plane crash, they had warmed hearts with their precious family moments.

By Sabba Rahbar Dec 18, 2025 11:09 PM
| Updated 8 days ago
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Watch: NASCAR's Greg Biffle, Wife Cristina and 2 Kids Killed in Plane Crash

Greg Biffle’s life was all about his family.

As the world mourns the former NASCAR driver and his family, including wife Cristina Gusso, their 5-year-old son Ryder and 14-year-old daughter Emma—whom he shared with ex-wife Nicole Lundersafter they died in a plane crash in Statesville, N.C., on Dec. 18, they’re also taking a moment to remember Greg’s most loving family moments.

Especially those shared by Greg and Cristina, who tied the knot in January 2023.

“Life’s too short to spend it stuck in a cycle you don’t love,” Cristina shared to Instagram in September. “We only get one shot at this, and every sunrise is a reminder that the time is now.”

“Passion isn’t something you stumble across,” the realtor continued. “It’s something you choose to pursue with courage and persistence.”

And when it came to parenthood, being a dad changed the NASCAR legend—who won over a dozen races between 2003 to 2016—and his fellow racers in the best possible way.

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"Starting to see kids around or your friends having kids makes you think differently about it,” he told USA Today in 2014. “We always thought we'd have kids but weren't sure exactly when and then all of a sudden, your friends are like, 'We're going to have a baby.' It has changed dramatically.”

Greg, 55, added, “We laugh about it. Me and [Jamie] McMurray and [Matt] Kenseth were at dinner at Watkins Glen last year, and we all brought baby seats."

Cristina Gusso/Instagram

But sadly, the lives of Greg, Cristina, Ryder and Emma were cut short, as they died alongside three other passengers onboard a small plane that went down on Dec. 18, as confirmed b Congressman Richard Hudson

"They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” he wrote on X. “Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track."

For a look at Greg and Cristina’s extraordinary lives with their children, keep reading.

Support On and Off the Track

Greg Biffle had his loved ones by his side for life's fastest moments. The NASCAR legend shared 5-year-old son Ryder with wife Cristina Gusso, and 14-year-old daughter Emma with his ex-wife Nicole Lunders.

Sharing His World

The driver made sure to share his love of racing with his kids. 

Life Biggest Moments...

Greg took his foot off the gas and slipped it into a dress shoe for a father-daughter dance with Emma.

And Its Simplest

In addition to racing, Greg instilled a love of fishing in Ryder.

Enduring Love

The racecar driver and Cristina took advantage of every moment together.

Celebrating Milestones

Greg and Cristina celebrated Ryder's 5th birthday with balloons and, of course, some new racecars.

Better Together

Greg never shied away from showing off his and Cristina's date nights.

Grateful

When Greg was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, his family were by his side to celebrate.

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