Local News
Possible Meteor Sighting Under Investigation After Fireball Reported Across Multiple States
A spectacular sight was witnessed across multiple states on Thursday afternoon as reports flooded in of a blazing “fireball” streaking across the sky, followed by a loud boom and ground tremors.
The event, believed to be a meteorite entering the Earth’s atmosphere, was seen around 12:25–12:30 p.m. and has prompted investigations by local and federal agencies.
Residents from metro Atlanta—including DeKalb County, downtown Atlanta, and as far south as Henry and Newton counties—described seeing a fiery object falling from the sky.
Similar sightings were reported in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and parts of Florida. Eyewitnesses described the fireball as intensely bright and fast-moving, with a trail of flames and smoke behind it.
In Henry County, Georgia, emergency management officials confirmed they are actively investigating an incident in which a possible meteorite reportedly crashed through the roof of a residence.
Crews have been dispatched to the home to assess the scene and determine whether the object that penetrated the structure is related to the fireball event.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, South Carolina, noted a visible streak in the sky over Gasbury, Virginia, just before noon, consistent with meteor activity.
The NWS has ruled out an earthquake as the cause of the loud boom and shaking reported by residents, but believes a sonic boom resulting from a meteor’s atmospheric entry is a plausible explanation.
Steven Sobieszćzyk, a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Natural Hazards Mission Area, stated, “After reviewing seismic data, it appears the shaking may be related to a sonic boom, which could correspond to reports of a meteorite, although we cannot confirm this definitively at this time.”
Adding to the intrigue, a lightning detection network picked up an unusual atmospheric signal over Georgia at the time of the sightings, which experts believe may correspond to the meteor’s descent.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported no unusual aircraft activity in the affected areas, further supporting theories that the phenomenon was not aviation-related.
Several fire departments across Georgia and South Carolina have initiated searches for possible debris or impact sites.
A video captured from Columbia County, near Augusta, Georgia, shows a bright object shooting across the sky, adding visual confirmation to the eyewitness reports.
As investigations continue, members of the public are encouraged to share any photos or videos they may have captured. Submissions can be sent to Atlanta News First by texting 470-777-WANF (9263).
This is a developing story.
Authorities are working to confirm the nature of the object and whether it made landfall.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
UPDATE: Search efforts have been suspended following the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, marking another tragic loss for the city’s historic fishing community.
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted early Friday morning by the vessel’s emergency beacon after it activated in the water; no mayday call was received.
Responders located a debris field, an unoccupied life raft, and one deceased individual in the water.
Six other crew members remain missing and are presumed lost after an extensive air and sea search yielded no additional results.
The Coast Guard cited frigid water temperatures, challenging weather conditions, and the vast search area in its decision to suspend operations.
GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Authorities have identified all seven individuals who lost their lives after the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean sank approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, early Friday morning, marking a devastating loss for Gloucester’s historic fishing community.
The Lily Jean, a commercial fishing vessel measuring between 72 and 80 feet in length and homeported in Gloucester—the nation’s oldest working fishing port—activated its emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at approximately 6:50 a.m. Friday while returning to port.
No mayday call was received, and subsequent attempts to contact the vessel were unsuccessful.
The U.S. Coast Guard immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and multiple surface assets to the area of the distress signal.
Crews located a debris field and an unoccupied life raft roughly 25 miles offshore near the EPIRB activation site, confirming the vessel had sunk to the ocean floor. One deceased individual was recovered from the water.
The remaining six crew members were later presumed lost after extensive search efforts yielded no additional results.
Officials confirmed that seven people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident, revising earlier reports that indicated six.
The seven individuals who perished aboard the Lily Jean are:
- John Paul Rousanidis, 33, of Salem/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Sean Therrien, 44, of Lynn/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Freeman Short, of the Marshfield/Scituate area
- Captain Gus Sanfilippo, a well-known and respected Gloucester fisherman
- Paul Beal Sr., deckhand
- Paul Beal Jr., deckhand and son of Paul Beal Sr.
- Jada Samitt, 22, of Virginia
Jada Samitt, the seventh crew member identified, was serving aboard the vessel in the role of a federal fisheries observer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She had recently relocated to Massachusetts to pursue her passion for environmental biology, graduating last year. Family members said joining the Lily Jean crew was her first major professional role at sea and a lifelong dream.
Her aunt, Heather Michaels, described Samitt as a compassionate and driven young woman who deeply respected her captain and dedicated herself fully to her work. “She put her heart and soul into this opportunity,” family members said, noting her commitment to marine conservation and the fishing community.
Officials said the Lily Jean had reported taking on water shortly before contact was lost.
The vessel is now presumed fully submerged.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Gloucester’s close-knit maritime community.
Ashley Sullivan, a local business owner who knew the vessel’s owner, emphasized the daily risks faced by commercial fishermen. “I hope people really take a moment to understand the sacrifices these men and women make to put food on our tables,” she said. “This is heartbreaking.”
Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr also expressed condolences, highlighting Gloucester’s deep fishing heritage. “Gloucester has a long fishing history, and that history includes tragic loss,” Tarr said. “It appears we are experiencing another of those painful chapters.”
Governor Maura Healey released a statement saying she was “heartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester,” adding that her administration has offered full assistance to local officials and the Coast Guard. She extended prayers to the victims’ families and the broader fishing community across Cape Ann and the Commonwealth.
Community members and local businesses have continued to share messages of remembrance and solidarity. Taylor Hunt, a relative of Freeman Short, posted a tribute honoring the crew, writing in part: “The salt has been in our blood for generations… A man is not lost while the sea remembers his name. Fair winds and following seas.”
The Lily Jean had previously been featured on the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men, which documented the dangers and demands of New England’s commercial fishing industry.
While search operations have concluded, the Coast Guard and relevant agencies continue to review the circumstances surrounding the sinking. Officials have stated that further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.
Authorities have urged the public to keep the victims’ families and Gloucester’s fishing community in their thoughts and prayers during this period of profound loss.