Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins and his family escaped injury on Thursday as a private plane went down in his yard in suburban East Aurora, New York, killing the pilot.
Officials say the aircraft was on its way to New York from Michigan when it became engulfed in flames and crashed mere feet away from Dawkins’ home.
No one else was hurt in the crash.
Dawkins is engaged to a registered nurse, Daiyaana Muhammad, with whom he shares three children.
The eight-year pro out of Temple was excused from practice as a result of the tragedy, although he did speak to reporters, saying: ‘I just hope the pilot’s family is OK. … and I’m glad that my family is perfectly fine.’
The pilot’s identity has not yet been revealed, publicly.
Dion Dawkins spoke today about the plane crash that happened near his East Aurora property this morning.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport issued an alert this morning for a single-engine plane dealing with mechanical issues.
That plane, a 1979 Beechcraft A36, took off from Lansing, Michigan on its way to White Plains, New York.
Soon after, according to EAPD Chief Patrick Welch, 911 operators received a call about a small plane crash near Stewart Court – a secluded residential street.
Fire crews arrived and worked to put out the blaze from the wreck.
Dawkins’ status for Sunday’s game against the visiting New England Patriots remains unchanged.
The veteran left tackle was 20th among Pro Football Focus’ top-32 players at the position before the season. This year, however, quarterback Josh Allen is drawing MVP consideration as Buffalo’s offensive line has dominated opposing defenses.
‘Everybody’s smiling,’ Dawkins recently told reporters of the feel-good atmosphere in the locker room. ‘We’re not just smiling because it’s Christmas. We’re not just smiling because we’re winning, but because the energy is right. Josh is the head of our football team. When that is right, everything is right.’
