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
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.