Local News
Motorcyclist Isaac Helmstetler killed in crash that closed part of Valley Drive in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A motorcyclist has died from injuries sustained in a serious two-vehicle crash that led to road closures and a large emergency response Wednesday afternoon in Las Cruces.
According to the Las Cruces Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on April 22, 2026, at or near the intersection of Valley Drive and Rigsby Road.
Authorities confirmed that the motorcyclist, identified as Isaac Helmstetler, suffered critical injuries in the collision involving a motorcycle and an automobile.
He was airlifted from the scene to University Medical Center of El Paso for emergency treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Helmstetler later succumbed to his injuries.
The crash prompted the temporary closure of Valley Drive between Avenida de Mesilla and Boutz Road, as well as portions of Rigsby Road near the intersection, while first responders worked the scene and investigators gathered evidence.
Details regarding the cause of the crash have not yet been released, and the incident remains under active investigation.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or may have additional information to contact the Las Cruces Police Department at (575) 526-0795.
Local News
Cessna Aircraft Crashes Into Field During Takeoff Attempt in Batavia, Ohio; Instructor and Student Reportedly Uninjured
BATAVIA, Ohio (Clermont County) — A Cessna aircraft went down into a field after an unsuccessful takeoff attempt near Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Batavia, Ohio, according to preliminary incident information.
Both occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot, reportedly escaped the incident without injuries.
The aircraft crash was reported near 2001 Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, in Clermont County. Initial information indicates that the Cessna failed to take off and went down into a nearby field.
Two people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. They were identified in the initial report as a flight instructor and a student pilot.
Both occupants reportedly exited the aircraft and were reported to be uninjured. According to the preliminary information, they were being transported back to Sporty’s Pilot Shop following the incident.
No injuries were reported in the information provided, although further official confirmation may be needed.
The incident occurred in the area of Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, a community in Clermont County, Ohio. The aircraft reportedly entered a field after failing to become airborne during its takeoff attempt.
Details about the aircraft’s condition, the precise circumstances of the failed takeoff and whether emergency crews or aviation investigators responded were not immediately available in the initial report.
The cause of the incident has not been established, and no additional information about possible damage to the aircraft was provided.
This is a developing story. Further details may become available as authorities confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident.