Local News
Video shows moments plane crashes in Bath Township
BATH TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Clinton County) — Emergency crews are responding to a fatal aircraft crash that occurred Thursday evening along Clark Road between Upton Road and Peacock Road in Bath Township, according to Michigan State Police.
The crash was reported shortly after 5 p.m., with witnesses describing plumes of smoke visible from the area. Authorities confirmed the downed aircraft was a small private plane.
According to incident command, the aircraft went down directly onto the roadway, resulting in three confirmed fatalities at the scene.
Officials described the victims as “obvious DOA” (dead on arrival).
Multiple agencies, including the Bath Township Police and Fire Departments, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police, remain on the scene conducting emergency operations and securing the crash site.
All lanes of Clark Road have been shut down in both directions, and motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to allow first responders to safely complete their work.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will assume control of the investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the crash.
Further details, including the identities of those killed, will be released once next of kin have been notified and the investigation progresses.
Local News
Possible Human Remains Discovered on Poors Ford Road Belong to Missing Rutherford County Man Ricky James Watson
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that possible human remains discovered on Poors Ford Road may belong to missing person Ricky James Watson, who was reported missing in June 2025.
On October 14, 2025, deputies were dispatched to the 2700 block of Poors Ford Road after receiving a report of a possible human bone found in the area.
Upon arrival, investigators examined the item and determined that the bone — believed to be a femur — appears to be human based on preliminary observations.
The following day, October 15, Sheriff’s Office personnel, assisted by additional resources, conducted a comprehensive search of the surrounding area in an effort to locate any additional remains or evidence connected to the discovery.
The bone has since been turned over to the North Carolina State Medical Examiner’s Office for further forensic analysis and official identification.
Authorities have confirmed that this discovery may be connected to the ongoing missing person investigation involving 55-year-old Ricky James Watson, who was last seen in June 2025 in the Shiloh area of Rutherford County.
Watson was reported missing on June 24, and an Endangered Alert was issued by the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons the previous day.
Since his disappearance, investigators have utilized multiple search resources, including ground units, K9 teams, and aerial support, to comb areas near Watson’s home and his last known location at 2818 Poors Ford Road.
Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Watson had been found until this recent development.
The Sheriff’s Office has been in direct contact with Watson’s family regarding the discovery and continues to pursue all leads as the case remains active.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Ricky James Watson’s disappearance or the recent discovery to come forward.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 828-286-2911, or anonymous tips may be submitted through Rutherford County CrimeStoppers at 828-286-TIPS or via the RCSO mobile app.
Officials stress that the investigation is ongoing and further updates will be provided once the Medical Examiner’s Office completes its evaluation and confirms the identity of the remains.