Local News
Two Killed in Private Helicopter Crash Near Uvalde/Kinney County Line
Uvalde, TX – Two people lost their lives after a private helicopter crashed near the Uvalde/Kinney County line on Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Robinson R44 – a four-seat helicopter – went down at approximately 1:20 p.m.
First responders, including sheriff’s deputies from Kinney and Uvalde counties, Department of Public Safety personnel, fire, and EMS crews, arrived at the crash site around 2:45 p.m.
The helicopter crashed on private property along Highway 90, approximately 12 miles west of Uvalde, Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe reported.
Authorities confirmed that the pilot, a resident of Uvalde, and the passenger, who was from Florida, were the only individuals on board.
Their identities have not yet been publicly released.
The aircraft was owned by Holt Helicopters, a company based about 20 minutes west of the crash site.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
A preliminary report could be available as soon as Friday.
The owners of Harris Ranch Uvalde, where the helicopter reportedly crashed, have confirmed that no individuals affiliated with Hometown Heroes Outdoors – a nonprofit that provides hunting excursions for first responders and veterans – were on board at the time of the accident.
More details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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.