This is an ongoing story, The Plainsman will update as further information is provided.
On Dec. 18, 2025, a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina killed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others in the morning in an attempt to make an emergency landing. The plane, a Cessna Citation 550 business jet, attempted to return to Statesville Regional Airport immediately after takeoff.
It has been confirmed by ESPN that Jack Dutton, an Auburn junior studying professional flight, was among those killed in the crash. Biffle's wife, Cristina, their children, Ryder and Emma, as well as Craig Wadsworth, and Jack's father, Dennis, were the other fatalities.
Dutton was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi, a barista at Well Red and had recently become an instrument rated private pilot according to his LinkedIn.
Friends, family and the Auburn Community have started paying their respects on Dutton's social media as the news has come in.
One commenter saying "The effect you had on everyone around you was tremendous Jack. Everyone close to you will love and miss you so much."
Another stated "i will always be thankful for the familiar face you were for me at auburn. rest in peace jack, the auburn family loves you. keep saying war eagle in heaven for us"
Finally, one simply stated "Rest in Peace Jack, gone too soon."
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Brychelle Brooks, senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023. She previously served as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
