The NASCAR community and many beyond it are reeling after heartbreaking reports that former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and his two children were killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday morning. What was meant to be a simple family trip ended in tragedy, leaving friends, fans, and loved ones stunned and grieving.

According to multiple reports, Biffle, 55, was traveling with his wife, Cristina Grossu, daughter Emma, 14, and 5-year-old son Ryder when their private jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:15 a.m. The Cessna C550 had taken off from the same airport and was heading to Sarasota, Florida, according to data from FlightAware.

The devastating news was first shared publicly by Garrett Mitchell, a longtime friend of Biffle who is also known online as Cleetus McFarland. In an emotional Facebook post, Mitchell wrote, “Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane…because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”

Other news outlets also reported that the family had died in the crash, though authorities initially said law enforcement had not yet officially confirmed the identities of those on board. The Federal Aviation Administration later confirmed to PEOPLE and the Associated Press that the crash resulted in multiple fatalities and that an investigation is underway.

Statesville Regional Airport acknowledged the incident in a statement, saying, “We can confirm there has been an aircraft incident at the Statesville Regional Airport. At approximately 10:15 a.m., an aircraft crashed while landing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will investigate the incident.” Airport officials also said the airport would remain closed until further notice.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene. One person near Lakewood Golf Club told WSOC they noticed the plane was flying “way too low” before the crash. Photos from the scene showed wreckage engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising into the air. WSOC reported that even its own news helicopter had to turn back due to poor weather and limited visibility.

Public FAA records show the jet, built in 1981, was registered to Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing. The company’s address reportedly matches Biffle’s home address.

Biffle’s death marks a tragic end to a remarkable racing career and a life marked by generosity. He began racing professionally in 1995 and became one of only three drivers to win championships in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. He was named the 2001 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Busch Series and went on to win the 2002 championship, along with 19 NASCAR races between 2003 and 2016.

Beyond racing, friends say Biffle was deeply committed to helping others. He and Mitchell bonded over their love of race cars and worked together on hurricane relief efforts, organizing flights to deliver supplies to victims in western North Carolina.

For many Christians, tragedies like this raise painful questions and deep sorrow. Scripture reminds believers to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15), and across social media, prayers and tributes have poured in for the Biffle family. As the investigation continues, the focus for many remains on honoring four lives lost far too soon and lifting up those left behind in prayer, trusting God to be near to the brokenhearted in the midst of unimaginable loss.