Update: Boone Police has now identified the plane crash victims in this post.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect a press conference held by Boone Police Department at the Boone Golf Club parking lot on Monday at 4:15 p.m.
By Jesse Wood
A prominent local resident died in the plane crash at the Boone Golf Club that occurred just before 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon, according to Boone Police Chief Dana Crawford.
Authorities, however, are waiting to release the name of the deceased and two other injured passengers until extended family members are notified. Three people were aboard the single-engine plane, which crashed at 12:56 p.m.
“One survivor was flown to Winston-Salem, and the other to Johnson City. The man who didn’t survive is a local resident. He is actually a friend to many in the community,” Crawford said in a statement before reporters at a press conference late Monday. “We are very saddened by this loss and extend our condolences to the family. We hope and pray that the survivors will be OK but serious injuries were sustained.”
Crawford said officials don’t know what caused the plane to crash. The plane took off from the Boone Airport, and witnesses on the golf course said that the plane was apparently in distress during take off and clipped the tops of trees before crashing onto the course.
Capt. Andy LeBeau said that the tail number burned off the plane and no flight plans were filed in response to questions regarding the identifying tail number and where the plane was heading.
The Boone Police Department is conducting the initial investigation, and the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, which are arriving this evening, will conduct further investigation, according to Crawford, who added that his department will offer any needed assistance to those agencies.
Responding agencies to the emergency include the Boone Police Department, Boone Fire Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the State Highway Patrol. Crawford also thanked High Country Chaplain Service for responding to the scene to assist those involved.
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