Local News
Victims Killed in Boca Raton Plane Crash Identified
Authorities have released the identities of the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash near the Boca Raton Airport on Friday, April 11.
According to the Boca Raton Police Services Department, the victims were members of the same family:
- Robert Stark, 81, of Boca Raton
- Stephen Stark, 54, of Delray Beach
- Brooke Stark, 17, of Delray Beach
All three were on board the ill-fated aircraft when it went down shortly after takeoff.
The sole individual injured on the ground, Pablo Tafur, 24, was identified as the driver of a Toyota that was struck during the crash.
His injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The crash, which occurred around 10:12 a.m., sent a fireball and heavy plumes of smoke into the air, visible from surrounding neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
Graphic video footage from the scene showed the wreckage engulfed in flames, with bodies visible near the debris.
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 310R, tail number N8930N, built in 1977 and registered to REPROP LLC, a company based in Wilmington, Delaware. T
he plane had departed Boca Raton en route to Tallahassee and had been airborne for approximately 8 to 10 minutes before it crashed near the intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road, close to Florida Atlantic University and a busy commercial area.
During a Friday evening press briefing, Kurt Gibson, an aviation accident investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stated that a full investigation is underway.
“We’ll be looking into three primary areas: the pilot, including their qualifications and recent history; the aircraft’s maintenance and records; and environmental conditions at the time of the crash,” Gibson explained.
Data from FlightAware showed the plane performed several circular maneuvers before impact, indicating the pilot may have been experiencing difficulties.
The aircraft will be moved to a salvage facility for further inspection.
The NTSB confirmed that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while the final report could take 12 to 24 months to complete.
The crash has prompted closures in the area, including a portion of North Military Trail and nearby train tracks.
Authorities are urging residents and commuters to avoid the area until further notice.
This tragic incident marks a somber moment for the Boca Raton community as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash and bring closure to the families affected.
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.