Former Hough student dies in plane crash
Dec. 19. Jack Dutton, a recent graduate of Hough High School, was among seven people who perished Thursday in a plane crash in Statesville. His father, Dennis Dutton — a career pilot and Lake Norman resident — was also killed.
The other victims were NASCAR team owner Greg Biffle; his wife, Cristina; their 5-year-old son, Ryder; Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter, Emma; and Craig Wadsworth, another member of the NASCAR community.
Jack Dutton graduated from Hough in 2024, where he played on the tennis team and volunteered for a school club that helped provide tech education to residents of Bailey’s Glen. He was studying aviation at Auburn University.
“Jack was a beloved teammate and friend, and this loss is deeply felt across the Hough community and beyond,” read a statement by the Hough athletics department. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Dutton family and all who loved them.”
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My heart aches for this family. A young life cut so short. Jack’s father Dennis is a Wilkes County native, graduating from Wilkes Central High School before embarking on an exciting adventure called life. He made Wilkes proud. He will be sorely missed at Merlefest this year. He and his *partner in fun tines” Duane were always a pleasure to run into there! God bless and comfort his family and friends as well as his son Jack’s friends and family.