Local News
Victims killed in plane crash near Pitt-Greenville Airport identified
Greenville, NC – March 2025 – Authorities have confirmed that two individuals were killed when a Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft crashed in Greenville on Friday morning.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the aircraft went down in the vicinity of North Memorial Drive and Belvoir Road.
The wreckage was later located near Consolidated Pipe on North Greene Street.
Law enforcement officials at the scene recovered human remains, confirming that both occupants perished in the crash.
The victims have been identified as Dr. Mark Bowman, a respected Greenville family dentist, and his wife, Robin Bowman.
Dr. Bowman had been practicing dentistry in eastern North Carolina for over 33 years. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Biology in 1982, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986.
Throughout his career, he was actively involved in several professional organizations, including: American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society, 5th District Dental Society and Flying Dentist Association.
Additionally, Dr. Bowman was a Lifetime Member of the Dental Alumni Association at UNC-Chapel Hill. Beyond his profession, he was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying, as well as boating, fishing, and beach activities with family and friends.
As a result of the crash, authorities have closed North Memorial Drive from Airport Road to Belvoir Road.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) estimates that the closure will remain in effect until at least 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
However, Trooper Rico Stephens stated that there is no evidence the aircraft struck the roadway before impact.
According to flight records, the Beechcraft Bonanza departed from Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV) at 7:46 a.m., en route to Vero Beach, Florida.
The crash was reported shortly after takeoff.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Federal authorities will analyze:
- Flight data and communications
- Pilot records
- Weather conditions
- Aircraft maintenance history
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
Local News
61-year-old Cynthia Diekema killed by alligator during couple canoe trip in Polk County
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
A tragic and rare fatal alligator attack claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman in Polk County, Florida, during a canoeing trip with her husband on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Cynthia Diekema, a resident of Polk County, was canoeing with her husband at the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee when their vessel drifted over a large alligator in approximately 2.5 feet of water.
Authorities say the animal thrashed violently, causing the canoe to overturn and throwing both occupants into the water.
Officials report that Diekema ended up on top of the alligator during the struggle and was bitten.
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
Diekema’s body was later recovered from the water.
FWC confirmed that two large alligators were captured in connection with the incident.
The first, an 11-foot-4-inch specimen believed to have been involved in the attack, was located and euthanized Tuesday night.
A second gator, estimated to be between 10 and 11 feet in length, was captured the following morning as a precaution.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that while fatal alligator encounters are extremely uncommon, the tragedy underscores the importance of respecting Florida’s native wildlife.
In response to the incident, FWC has reiterated safety guidance for residents and visitors: avoid swimming in non-designated areas, especially at dawn or dusk, and keep pets and small children away from the water’s edge.
The investigation remains ongoing.