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After a fatal plane crash in Aurora, New York, football player Dion Dawkins is speaking out. According to The New York Times, the Buffalo Bills offensive lineman was informed of the collision that happened close to his property, which caused him to miss a portion of practice on December 19.
Although Dawkins confirmed his family is safe, East Aurora Police Chief Patrick Welch reported that the plane's pilot, the only person on board, was tragically declared dead at the scene.
In a statement released on December 19, Welch said, "The East Aurora Police Department received several 911 calls reporting a small aircraft crash in the area of Stewart Court, in the town of Aurora, Erie County, New York." "A plane on the ground in a small wooded area between two residences and fully engulfed in flames was reported by the East Aurora Fire Department upon their arrival at 11:29 am."
There were no other reported injuries.
Welch stated that a local Buffalo airport “sent out an alert for a plane having mechanical issues” just minutes before the 911 calls started coming in, and that authorities “determined that the plane involved in the crash is the same plane that reported mechanical issues.” The incident is still being investigated.
Dawkins told reporters that he and his family do not reside at the property after returning to his team's practice later that day. However, according to ESPN, his fiancée Daiyaana Muhammad was at the East Aurora home to check the mail.
When Dawkins addressed reporters about the tragedy, he also expressed his deepest sympathies.
In a video that Buffalo Bills reporter Matt Parino uploaded to X, he stated, "I still wonder why things happen in life, but tragedies happen all of the time." The most important thing is that I sincerely hope the pilot's family is doing well. Someone lost their life today, so I hope they're doing okay.
"I'm happy to hear that my family is doing well," he added. "Everything was going off, including the alarm systems, the on-duty security officers, and everyone else who helps keep us safe."
"My prayers are out for the family of that pilot," Dawkins added as he wrapped up his remarks.
