Local News
Officials Identify Victims of Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Kinney-Uvalde County Line
KINNEY COUNTY, TX – Authorities have identified the victims of a fatal helicopter crash that occurred Thursday afternoon near the Kinney-Uvalde County line in Southwest Texas.
The Kinney County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that William Garrett Robertson was the pilot, and Earle Blakely Hunnicutt was the passenger on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. and involved a Robinson R44 helicopter.
The aircraft went down west of Uvalde, near U.S. Highway 90, in the vicinity of Harris Ranch.
First responders, including law enforcement and emergency personnel, arrived at the scene, but both individuals on board succumbed to their injuries.
Officials are still working to confirm who was actively piloting the helicopter at the time of the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, and a preliminary report is expected to be released Friday.
This report is expected to include details such as the aircraft registration number and additional information about its operation.
Owners of Harris Ranch Uvalde, where the helicopter reportedly crashed, have confirmed that no individuals associated with Hometown Heroes Outdoors—a nonprofit organization that provides hunting excursions for first responders and veterans—were on board at the time of the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Talladega County, Ala. – Authorities have confirmed that a 55-year-old Sylacauga man was killed in an early morning ATV crash after colliding with a deer in Talladega County.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, on Oakland Road, about two miles west of Sycamore.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division, the victim has been identified as Willie F. Martin.
Investigators reported that Martin was operating a 2020 Yamaha YFZ450 ATV when the vehicle struck a deer in the roadway.
Following the impact, the ATV veered off the road and overturned. Martin was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Trooper Jaylon James of ALEA confirmed the details of the crash and said that no other vehicles were involved.
The collision remains under investigation by ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, and no additional information has been released at this time.