2024-12-19 21:01:00
A plane crash on property of Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins left one person dead Thursday, officials in New York said.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport issued a warning around 11:16 a.m. ET that the plane was having mechanical problems as it tried to reach White Plains, East Aurora Police Chief Patrick Welch said. The plane originated from Lansing, Michigan.
About six minutes later, East Aurora dispatch received a call about a small plane crash in a wooded area, he added.
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AFC tackle Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills during Pro Bowl Games practice at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., Feb. 4, 2023. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
The plane crashed between two properties and in “close proximity” to Dawkins’ home, Welch said. WKBW-TV reported it was owned by Dawkins, citing ownership records.
The offensive lineman was excused from practice for personal reasons.
Welch said fire officials who responded to the crash reported a “fully involved fire” upon arrival.
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The pilot, the only person aboard the 1979 Beechcraft A36, died, officials said, but was not immediately identified.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it would investigate the crash.
Dawkins, a three-time Pro Bowler, spoke about the crash as he returned to practice.
Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins puts on the helmet. (Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle/USA Today Network)
“I still wonder why things happen in life, but tragedies happen all the time. The main point is that I hope the pilot’s family is doing well. I hope they are doing well, because today someone for lost his life for a while.” accident,” he said, via Syracuse.com. “I’m glad everything is going well with my family.”
The bills have been preparing for a Sunday night game against the New England Patriots.
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Buffalo is 11-3 on the season and New England is 3-11.
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