Local News
5 people killed after small plane crashes on Catalina Island off Southern California
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Catalina Island, California (October 10, 2024) – A tragic plane crash occurred on Catalina Island Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of all five individuals on board.
The Avalon Sheriff Station received an SOS emergency notification from a cellphone shortly after 8 PM, indicating a collision with potential injuries.
The notification provided GPS coordinates, guiding authorities to the crash site, located approximately one mile west of Catalina Island Airport.
A joint effort by deputies, firefighters, and Avalon Search and Rescue personnel led to the discovery of the wreckage of a twin-engine aircraft.
All five victims, adults, were found at the crash site and declared deceased.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane involved was a twin-engine Beechcraft 95 that crashed shortly after takeoff.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will jointly investigate the incident, with the NTSB taking the lead. Further updates will be provided by the NTSB.
Catalina Island Airport is primarily used for general aviation aircraft, including single-engine airplanes. Known as the Airport in the Sky due to its elevation of 1,602 feet, it has a single, 3,000-foot runway.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.