Local News
23-year-old Ezra Villafranco Killed in Motorcycle Crash on San Jose Ranch Road and FM 509 in Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas — A 23-year-old motorcyclist from San Benito died following a crash involving a motorcycle and pickup truck Friday evening in Harlingen, according to authorities.
The victim was identified as Ezra Andrea Duke Villafranco.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. on May 15 at the intersection of San Jose Ranch Road and FM 509.
Investigators said Villafranco was operating a Kawasaki ER-6 motorcycle when he attempted to overtake other vehicles in a designated no-passing zone.
Authorities reported that during the maneuver, the motorcycle collided with a Toyota Tacoma that was attempting to make a left turn.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Villafranco to Valley Baptist Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Villafranco later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not publicly identified, and officials have not released information regarding any additional injuries.
Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal motorcycle crash.
The collision caused traffic disruptions in the area Friday evening as emergency crews responded and investigators processed evidence from the scene.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — A 62-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning after a small aircraft crashed in a field in the Whiton community of DeKalb County, Alabama, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Douglas Emge, 62, of Whiton. Emergency crews responded to the crash along County Road 3, where the single-engine aircraft came down behind the Whitton water tank.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area following reports of the aircraft crash. DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Posey confirmed that one person died in the incident.
An FAA spokesperson said a Van’s RV-4 crashed in a field near Albertville at approximately 6:50 a.m. The aircraft had only one person aboard, and Emge was the pilot.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also participating. Investigators will work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Officials have not released a cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additional information is expected as investigators examine the aircraft, crash site and other available evidence.
The City of Albertville issued a statement mourning Emge, describing him as a longtime and prominent member of the Albertville Regional Airport community.
According to the city, Doug Emge was the face of Albertville Regional Airport for more than 30 years and was the founder and sole owner of Albertville Aviation, which operated the airport’s fixed-base operator, or FBO.
The city said Emge was known for helping pilots, flight crews and passengers who arrived at the airport, providing assistance with fuel, rental cars, lodging and recommendations in the community.
Albertville officials also described Emge as a Marine veteran, pilot, husband, father and grandfather. The city extended its condolences to his wife, Stacy, his family and the staff and colleagues at Albertville Regional Airport.
The City of Albertville said Emge’s contributions to the airport, the city and the wider Sand Mountain community would not soon be forgotten.
Emergency crews and investigators remained at the scene as authorities continued their response.
Officials asked members of the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel work at the crash site and the investigation gets underway.
The cause of the fatal DeKalb County plane crash remains under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.