A small plane crash near the property of Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins tragically claimed the life of the pilot on Thursday. The aircraft, en route from Lansing, Michigan, to White Plains, experienced mechanical difficulties and crashed in a wooded area near Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Emergency responders arrived to find the plane engulfed in flames. The pilot, the sole occupant of the 1979 Beechcraft A36, was pronounced dead at the scene. While the plane went down between two properties, it landed in close proximity to Dawkins' home, according to local authorities. Dawkins was understandably absent from Bills practice due to personal reasons, later expressing his condolences to the pilot's family upon his return. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident. Dawkins, a three-time Pro Bowler, shared his thoughts on the tragedy, stating, "I still wonder why things happen in life, but tragedies happen all of the time… I’m glad my family is perfectly fine." The Bills are scheduled to play the New England Patriots on Sunday evening.

AFC tackle Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills during Pro Bowl Games practice.

Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins prepares for practice.