Local News
No Survivors After Plane Crashes in Copake
Copake, N.Y. — The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is leading an investigation into a fatal plane crash that occurred Saturday afternoon in the town of Copake.
According to officials, the crash took place shortly before noon near Two Town Road, where a small aircraft went down in the middle of an open field.
During a press briefing, Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore confirmed that emergency crews responded to the remote crash site, but muddy terrain has complicated access for first responders.
The aircraft is believed to be a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40, with tail number N635TA, registered to Dynamic Spine Solutions LLC.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were on board at the time of the crash.
However, details regarding the number of fatalities, identities of the occupants, or the flight’s point of origin have not been released pending notification of next of kin and further investigation.
The plane was reportedly en route to the Columbia County Airport when it went down. Officials said that no buildings were damaged and no other aircraft were involved in the incident.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New York State Police, and the Columbia County Coroner’s Office. Authorities stated that the investigation is in its early stages and could take several days to complete.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or captured video footage of the incident to come forward.
Individuals can contact investigators at (518) 828-3344.
More information will be released as it 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.