Local News
Victims killed in Platte River plane crash identified
DODGE COUNTY, NE — Authorities have identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on the Platte River late Friday evening.
In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) confirmed the victims as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas; 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger of Fremont, Nebraska; and 48-year-old Randy Amrein, also of Fremont.
The fatal crash occurred around 8:15 p.m. on Friday, when a small aircraft went down in the Platte River, just south of Fremont.
Multiple emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Sgt. Brie Frank with the DCSO stated that several agencies, including air and water rescue units, were involved in the coordinated response effort.
Airboats were deployed to navigate the river, and an Omaha Police Department helicopter provided aerial support to survey the crash site.
Assisting agencies included the Waterloo and Valley Fire Departments, the Nebraska State Patrol, and additional regional emergency services.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have assumed control of the investigation and will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.
No further details have been released at this time.
Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area while recovery and investigative efforts continue.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.