Local News
Three Confirmed Dead in Small Aircraft Crash Near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County
FRANKLIN, N.C. (Macon County) — Authorities in Macon County confirmed that three people were killed Thursday afternoon when a small aircraft crashed near Iotla Valley Elementary School.
The incident occurred along Iotla Church Road, prompting road closures and a large emergency response.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office issued a public update reassuring parents and guardians that all students and staff at Iotla Valley Elementary School are safe.
The school is located next to Macon County Airport, and officials said the crash took place on a neighboring property, not on school grounds.
“Parents can be assured that children at Iotla Valley Elementary are safe following an airplane accident on the neighboring property,” the sheriff’s office stated in a social media post.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that it is leading the local investigation, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also been notified and is monitoring the situation.
Officials have not yet released details regarding the type of aircraft involved, the cause of the crash, or the identities of the deceased.
Emergency crews remain at the scene, and portions of Iotla Church Road are expected to stay closed as investigators work through the night.
Additional updates are expected once next-of-kin notifications are completed and federal authorities provide preliminary findings.
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.