PARKER COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Federal investigators are looking into the cause of a plane crash in Parker County Sunday afternoon that killed a Paradise ISD board member and two of his children.
The plane, believed to be a twin-engine Cessna, reportedly flew out of a Wise County airport and crashed near Lone Star Road and BJ lane near Poolville.
The Parker County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, local fire departments and other first responders were called to a plane crash just after 1 p.m.
Paradise ISD confirmed that Dr. Heath Smith, the school board vice president, and two of his kids perished in the crash.
According to the district, Dr. Smith was a bariatric surgeon and was elected to the school board in 2017. He was re-elected in 2023 and became the board’s vice president.
“Our hearts are devastated for the Smith family,” said Paradise superintendent Will Brewer in a statement. “Words cannot fully express the grief that we feel for their loss. The tragedy that this family has endured is unimaginable. Dr. Smith was a vital part of our school district as an alumnus, parent and board member. He was passionate about his love for Paradise ISD and his impact on students and staff will be long lasting. Please keep the Smith family in your prayers.”
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
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