Tragedy struck Sanford, North Carolina, on July 7, 2025, when a small aircraft crashed just a mile from its intended landing at Raleigh Executive Jetport, killing all four passengers. The victims were Travis and Candace Buchanan and their two children, a beloved local family known for their community involvement and their business, Buchanan Farms. The Cirrus SR22T aircraft reportedly experienced engine and navigation issues prior to the crash, according to early reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is now conducting a full investigation.

The loss has deeply impacted the local community. The Buchanans were described by neighbors and friends as generous, kind-hearted, and devoted to their town. Their children attended Grace Christian Sanford School, where teachers and classmates have expressed grief and shared memories of the family’s warmth and positivity. Vigils and tributes have since poured in, honoring the Buchanans’ contributions to community life and the deep void left in their absence.

Only days earlier, a second fatal crash occurred in Howland Township, Ohio, adding to the heartbreak. On June 29, 2025, a twin-engine Cessna 441 went down shortly after takeoff from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, killing all six aboard. The victims included members of the Weller family—respected business leaders in the community—and two flight crew members. Like the North Carolina crash, this incident is also under investigation by the NTSB to determine the cause.

In both towns, the losses have sparked an overwhelming response of compassion and mourning. Local residents have shared heartfelt messages, organized prayer vigils, and created memorials to honor the lives lost. The victims in both tragedies were known not just for their work, but for their character—the Buchanans through farming and civic involvement, the Wellers through business and philanthropy.

As investigations into the causes of both crashes continue, communities in North Carolina and Ohio remain united in grief. The tragedies serve as sobering reminders of life’s fragility, but also highlight the strength of community bonds. For now, the focus is on healing, remembrance, and offering support to the friends and family members left behind.