It is an honor to recognize a student whose character, dedication and impact have left a lasting impression on Auburn University’s community. Jack Dutton, junior in Auburn’s Professional Flight program, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, following a tragic plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. Dutton's passing, together with his father Dennis and others, is deeply felt across the Auburn community.
Those who knew Dutton remember him for his positive spirit, determination and humility. A statement from Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts expressed his unforgettable character.
“On behalf of Auburn University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Jack Dutton, who was tragically killed alongside his father, Dennis, and several others in yesterday’s plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina," Roberts said. "Jack was a junior in the professional flight program and was a valued member of our campus community. The Auburn Family mourns this heartbreaking loss and holds Jack’s family and friends close in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
Dutton was a passionate student with a strong impact on everyone around him. One of his close friends and fraternity brothers in Alpha Sigma Phi, Gavin Fisch, recalls their first meeting.
"I met Jack my freshman year at Auburn, as we're both professional flight students," Fisch said. "So I met him, and we weren't like super friendly, but then he ended up rushing my fraternity. From there on, it was just like, he became one of my best friends."
Dutton's commitment to lifelong learning and involvement in the aviation program reflected his dedication to professional flight and strong work ethic. In the fall of 2025, he earned his Instrument-Rated Private Pilot ASEL (Airplane Single-Engine Land), an advanced certification that enabled him to fly in adverse conditions as a student.
"I've never met someone more dedicated to aviation like Jack was," Fisch said. "He would go to the library, sit there and just study, and on top of that, he would just love to fly. I mean, that's all he wanted to do."
Dutton often talked about flying and always looked forward to the next time he got to fly. He even owned his own plane, which he would take to the skies frequently.
Dutton also spent time outside of the classroom at Well Red Coffee and Bookstore, serving the Auburn community as a barista. He was a beloved member of the Well Red family, and their Instagram platform shared words to highlight and honor him.
"For the brief time he was with us, Jack was a true friend and colleague, always keeping us laughing with his quick wit and charm," the post said. "Shifts with Jack never felt like a chore, as they almost always involved a good joke or memorable story. We will miss Jack’s easygoing attitude in the coming days, and we feel so blessed to have gotten to know him over the past six months. We’re sending love and heartfelt prayers to the family and friends whom Jack and his father, Dennis, have left behind. We hope you can find peace, hope, and comfort in the coming weeks."
Dutton had the ability to relate and share a sense of belonging. As an involved member of Alpha Sigma Phi, his presence was valued at every event, as he had a talent for bringing people together and making everyone feel included. He often helped set up for events so that he could be as involved as possible with the little free time he had.
"Jack had this gift of lighting up a room the second he walked in, like everything instantly felt lighter and more fun just because he was there," Fisch said. "I had the honor of not only being his big but his best friend, and honestly, I was the lucky one, because Jack didn’t just make you laugh. He made you feel like you belonged."
Dutton's personality and profound connections are reflected in the following words from a close friend, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“Jack was the kind of friend you could always rely on," his friend said. "He was the type of friend to light up the room anywhere he went. His passion for flying, his guitar skills and epic taste in music was unmatched. He was outgoing, good-natured and saw the best in people. Jack could strike up a conversation with anyone, and by the end, he would have them laughing with his jokes.”
Dutton showed kindness in small, consistent actions and embodied the value of humility while always inspiring others. His genuine character profoundly impacted the Auburn community, and he will continue to be remembered for his authentic and uplifting presence.
One of Fisch's favorite memories of Dutton was studying for flight in the library together. Fisch had been frustrated with himself for messing up and answering questions wrong. When Dutton saw this, he stayed calm, helped him through it and even made jokes, trying to lift Fisch's mood in any way he could.
"It just really showed how he is as a person and just how he would sometimes sacrifice himself just to help anyone else out," Fisch said.
Dutton was also known for always being there for his friends, no matter the circumstance. Another one of his friends, who wants to remain anonymous, shared words to describe his good-willed character.
“Jack was such a selfless and free guy," the friend said. "He perfected the balance between putting others first but still never straying from himself and his goals. His energy was contagious and lit up every single room he walked into.”
Dutton impacted everyone he met at his time at Auburn, including his friends, co-workers and fraternity brothers. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he impacted for many years to come.
"I really hope people remember just how sweet of a person he was, how dedicated he was to flying and how much he really cared about everyone around him," Fisch said. "And how he loved everyone with everything he had."
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Katelyn Smith, sophomore majoring in journalism, is from Birmingham, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the fall of 2025. Smith previously served as a lifestyle writer, and she is currently serving as the Lifestyle Editor.
