Heartbreaking final message revealed after fatal Florida crash
A devastating new detail has emerged following the tragic plane crash that killed NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their young son, and four others.
Cristina, 35, sent a chilling final text message to her mother just moments before the aircraft went down. The message simply read: “We’re in trouble.”
The heartbreaking revelation was shared exclusively with PEOPLE magazine by Cristina’s mother, Cathy Grossu, who says the family is completely shattered by the loss.
“That Was It”: A Mother’s Last Message From Her Daughter
Speaking through tears, Cathy Grossu recalled receiving the text from her daughter while Cristina was still on the plane.
“She texted me from the plane and she said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ And that was it,” Cathy told PEOPLE.
“So we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.”
The crash happened on Thursday, December 18, cutting short what was meant to be a joyful family getaway.
Who Was Killed in the Plane Crash?
The small aircraft crash claimed the lives of seven people in total. Those who died were:
Greg Biffle, 55 – NASCAR Cup Series champion
Cristina Grossu Biffle, 35 – Greg’s wife
Ryder Biffle, 5 – their young son
Emma Biffle, 14 – Greg’s daughter from a previous relationship
Dennis Dutton
Jack Dutton – Dennis’s son
Craig Wadsworth
The group was travelling together in Florida for what Cathy described as a birthday trip.
A Family Trip That Ended in Tragedy
According to Cristina’s mother, the flight was supposed to be part of a happy celebration.
“To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip — that was just such a fun time for the family,” Cathy said.
“And to see the horrific way that it ended… it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they’re gone.”
Just one day before the crash, Greg and Cristina had visited Cathy at her home.
“I don’t remember the last words I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder,” she shared.
“I know we hugged, but I don’t remember those last words — and that’s going to haunt me. But they were happy.”
Remembering Ryder, Emma and a Life Full of Love
Cathy spoke lovingly about her grandchildren and Greg, saying they were full of life and kindness.
Ryder was curious, joyful and deeply loved
Emma was bright and full of promise
Greg was not only a racing legend, but a devoted father
“They embraced every aspect of their life and every moment,” Cathy said.
“They touched so many people’s lives. It is such a loss.”
Cristina’s Final Act of Kindness Before the Crash
One of the most emotional moments Cathy recalled was her final conversation with Cristina — which centred on helping families in need.
Cristina had been personally funding and sending Santa letters to struggling families during the Christmas season.
“She said, ‘Mum, can you go pick up the last 17 letters at Staples? I want to get them in the mail before I get on the plane tomorrow.’”
Cathy rushed to collect them.
“When they got home, she put them in envelopes and finished them all up,” she said.
“That would be the last thing she ever did — bringing joy to those families.”
Friends Describe Cristina as “One in a Million”
Cristina’s close friend Erica Zangwill, President and CEO of the Carolina Aviators Network, described her as someone who always put others first.
“She had the biggest heart,” Zangwill told PEOPLE.
“She loved helping other people before herself. She was one in a million, and I can’t believe she’s gone.”
NASCAR Community and Officials React
Initial reports of the crash did not name the victims. Confirmation came later from family friend and US Representative Richard Hudson, who shared a tribute on X (formerly Twitter).
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children,” Hudson wrote.
“Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans — but he was an extraordinary person as well.”
Families Release Joint Statement
The families of the Biffles, Duttons, and Wadsworth released a joint statement following the tragedy:
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones.
This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”
A Legacy Beyond the Racetrack
While Greg Biffle will always be remembered for his fearless racing career, those closest to him say his greatest legacy was his kindness, generosity, and love for family.
Cristina’s final message — and her final act of compassion — has touched hearts around the world, serving as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be.
References
PEOPLE Magazine – Exclusive interview with Cathy Grossu
Statement by Rep. Richard Hudson on X
Family statement released Thursday afternoon
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