Local News
Two Killed in Small Plane Crash Near Capron in rural Boone County
BOONE COUNTY, Ill. — Authorities have confirmed that two people were killed following a small plane crash Thursday afternoon in rural Boone County, just north of Capron, Illinois.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel responded to the scene near the intersection of Blaine Road and Capron Road after receiving reports of an aircraft down in the area.
First responders located the wreckage of a small aircraft and confirmed that both occupants on board were deceased.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending family notification and further investigation.
Boone County Fire District 1 and other emergency units remain on site, securing the crash scene.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are en route to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
At this time, no further details have been released regarding the type of aircraft involved, the origin or intended destination of the flight, or what may have caused the crash.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has asked the public to avoid the area while emergency crews and investigators continue their work.
Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.