Local News
Pilot Killed in Cessna Citation Crash Near Mesquite Metro Airport identified as Eric Forsythe
Mesquite, TX – A Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+ jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Mesquite Metro Airport on Thursday morning, resulting in the death of the sole occupant, pilot Eric Forsythe.
The aircraft departed from Runway 18 at approximately 7:33 a.m. local time.
Shortly after takeoff, the jet executed a right turn and climbed to approximately 950 feet before entering a rapid descent.
Final recorded flight data indicated that the aircraft was traveling at a groundspeed of 196 knots with a descent rate of 2,750 feet per minute before impact.
The crash site was located in a wooded area near East Cartwright Road and Lawson Road, approximately one mile from the airport.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and extinguished small fires caused by the impact.
Fortunately, no structures were damaged, and no other injuries were reported.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the crash to determine the cause.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear, with 10 miles of visibility and light southerly winds.
Local News
Indiana Police Officer Ronnell Johnson Fatally Shot While Handling Personal Firearm at Marion Health Hospital
Authorities in Indiana are investigating the fatal shooting of a Marion Health Police Officer who died early Sunday morning after an accidental firearm discharge inside Marion Health Hospital in Grant County.
According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, when 25-year-old Officer Ronnell J. Johnson, of Marion, Indiana, was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound. Officer Johnson was on duty at the time of the incident.
Initial findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that Officer Johnson was handling a personally-owned, non-department-issued handgun when the firearm discharged, striking him.
Details surrounding how the weapon was being handled and the moments leading up to the injury have not yet been fully clarified.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies—including the Indiana State Police, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Marion City Police Department, and Marion Health Police Department—responded immediately.
Hospital medical staff initiated life-saving measures; however, despite their efforts, Officer Johnson succumbed to his injuries.
He was later pronounced deceased by the Grant County Coroner’s Office.
Family notification has been completed, and an autopsy is scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasize that no additional details will be released until further evidence is reviewed.
Indiana State Police Detectives are leading the investigation at the request of the Marion City Police Department.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Indiana State Police Peru Post and medical personnel from Marion Health Hospital.
The circumstances remain under active review.