Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has died at the age of 42, according to statements shared by his family and members of the racing community.

News of his passing quickly prompted an outpouring of condolences from those who knew him throughout the sport.

In an emotional Facebook post on March 2, 2026, Nick Pistone confirmed his brother’s death and described Chase as both his younger sibling and his best friend.

He said the news left him heartbroken and struggling to cope, adding that he already missed Chase deeply and hoped he had found peace.

Beyond NASCAR, Pistone remained active in motorsports and became widely recognized in Legend Car racing, where he competed and ran his own team.

According to a statement shared by Legends Nation, he had long been “a fixture in motorsports and especially Legend Car racing.”

The outlet added that his Chase Pistone Inc. Legends team regularly competed at the front of the field and often left events with the winner’s trophy.

Nick also told the publication, “I was his biggest fan and I loved him so much.”

No official cause of death has been released. However, Chase’s brothers, Nick and Tom, asked that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be shared alongside the announcement.

The hotline provides free, confidential support for people experiencing mental health struggles, emotional distress, or substance-related concerns. Counselors are available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988.

For many in the racing world, Pistone will be remembered not only for his time behind the wheel but also for the friendships and respect he built throughout the sport.

For the racing community, Pistone’s death comes during a difficult time for the sport. In another tragedy reported earlier, a private plane crash near Statesville, North Carolina, killed seven people, including a NASCAR figure and members of his family.

As previously reported, the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff on Thursday, December 18, 2025, crashing into a nearby field and bursting into flames.

Witnesses and aviation experts have since spoken about what may have gone wrong, as tributes continue to pour in for the family at the center of the tragedy.

Victims Identified as Investigators Examine Flight Path and Weather

Among the seven victims were four members of one family: retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5. The other victims were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol released the names on Friday, December 19.

The jet, a Cessna C550, took off from Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte. Weather conditions at the time included drizzle and low cloud cover. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff while attempting to return to the runway.

The aircraft was registered to a company operated by Biffle, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records. He was also rated to fly helicopters, as well as single- and multi-engine planes. It was not immediately clear if he was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Video Shows Jet’s Final Seconds Before Explosion

Footage shows the private jet crashing into a field and erupting in a massive fireball just moments after takeoff. Captured by a nearby security camera and published by KSLA News 12, the video documents the aircraft’s final seconds before impact.

In the clip, the jet hits the ground and explodes, sending flames surging across the grass and thick black smoke rising into the sky. The fire spreads rapidly, with flames yards from nearby vehicles and buildings.

The camera, positioned in a parking lot close to the crash site, captures the full scale of the explosion, from impact to the rising plume of smoke.

The footage spread quickly online, and the contents match several eyewitness reports describing a low-flying aircraft, a violent impact, and a fast-moving fire.

Witnesses Describe the Crash

Residents near Statesville Regional Airport were left reeling as the jet plunged from the sky, trailing smoke and flames, before smashing into the ground with terrifying force.

At Lakewood Golf Club, which borders the airport, golfers watched in horror as the aircraft roared overhead and debris rained down across the course. “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,'” said Joshua Green. “It was scary.”

Nearby on Airport Road, James Jones heard sirens and stepped outside to a chaotic scene. Thick black smoke was rising fast. “At first it was just a flame, then black smoke,” he noted. “I thought it was a house because there are residences on that side, too.”

Across from the airport, Alex Etman described the crash as deeply unsettling, especially given how normal the skies had always felt. “We are pretty close,” he recalled.

Etman also added that the crash felt “spooky” close to home. He noted that his neighborhood typically sees frequent plane traffic, especially after NASCAR races when the teams fly back. Until now, everything had always felt routine and uneventful, which made the sudden tragedy all the more unsettling.

Meanwhile, Michael Wingo had been standing on his porch with his dog, completely unaware that tragedy was about to unfold just across the field. “I looked over and saw it. When it exploded, I could feel the heat from here,” he shared.

The blast prompted him to call 911. He later said the possibility that the plane could have struck his house, had it approached from a different angle, left him deeply shaken.

Aviation Expert Suggests Engine Trouble Could Be a Factor

Aviation expert Greg Feith, a former senior air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), told NBC that early flight data points to engine trouble. He explained that while pilots can land with one engine, a severe failure may lead to total loss of control.

“In the flight path, it looks like they’re trying to fly a normalized pattern to get back to the runway that they took off on rather than taking a 200-degree turn and land opposite direction,” Feith said. “Land slightly downwind if you need to, but get the airplane on the ground under control and that’s the key.”

Feith added that investigators will examine the flight’s timeline, crew response, and the aircraft’s maintenance history to determine what went wrong.

Tributes From the Racing World and Beyond Remember Greg Biffle and Family

As investigators searched for answers, heartbreak rippled across the racing community and beyond. Tributes poured in for Greg’s family from those who knew the family both professionally and personally.

Garrett Mitchell, a close friend of the Biffles, revealed on Facebook that the family had been on their way to visit him when the tragedy occurred. He called the loss devastating.

Over X, North Carolina Congressman Tim Moore praised Biffle not only for his prowess on the track but for his efforts off it, highlighting his support for local recovery after Hurricane Helene.

On the same platform, fellow NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer described Biffle as a skilled racer, a generous individual, and a devoted family man.

In an official statement, NASCAR honored Biffle as a champion across multiple racing series, a respected figure in the sport, and a man who had given back through service and disaster relief. The organization extended its condolences to all the families affected by the plane tragedy.