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.
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.