Local News
Single-Engine Plane Crashes at Lincolnton–Lincoln County Regional Airport in Iron Station
Three people were on board at the time of the incident.
IRON STATION, N.C. — Emergency crews responded to an aircraft crash Thursday at the Lincolnton–Lincoln County Regional Airport involving a single-engine propeller plane.
According to initial reports, the crash occurred near 714 Jack Dellinger Road, where first responders arrived to find the aircraft down on or near airport property.
Three people were on board at the time of the incident.
Rescue personnel worked to extricate at least one individual from the wreckage.
One patient has been reported in critical condition, prompting officials to request a medical helicopter for rapid transport to a trauma center.
A landing zone is currently being established to facilitate the airlift.
The conditions of the remaining two persons have not yet been disclosed.
Authorities have secured the scene, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.