Local News
Penn State Health Doctor Paul Sokoloski Identified as Pilot Killed in Carlisle Airport Crash
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Authorities have identified the pilot who was killed Wednesday evening when a small aircraft collided with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter at Carlisle Regional Airport.
The victim was identified as Paul Sokoloski, 57, of Hershey, a physician affiliated with Penn State Health. According to Penn State Health’s physician information, Paul W. Sokoloski worked as an emergency medicine physician.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 6:52 p.m. Wednesday at Carlisle Regional Airport.
According to preliminary information from Pennsylvania State Police and the Cumberland County Coroner’s Office, Sokoloski was operating a Cessna 150 and was attempting to land when the aircraft suddenly veered to the right.
The plane then collided with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter that was participating in training exercises near the runway.
State police said the helicopter was hovering only several inches above the ground when the collision occurred.
Sokoloski was killed in the crash. Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers aboard the helicopter were injured and transported for medical treatment.
The circumstances that caused the aircraft to veer from its intended path remain under investigation.
Sokoloski was a longtime medical professional in central Pennsylvania. His professional background included work as an emergency medicine physician with Penn State Health, as well as previous medical positions.
He also served as an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, according to information listed in his professional background.
In addition to his medical career, Sokoloski had extensive aviation experience. His professional profile listed a commercial pilot’s license and certification as a flight instructor.
His career also included service as security police with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, according to his professional information.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the midair collision at Carlisle Regional Airport.
Authorities are expected to review aircraft movements, witness accounts, airport information and other evidence as they work to determine exactly what led to the crash.
The Cumberland County Coroner’s Office said Sokoloski’s autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected as authorities complete their examination of the deadly airport collision.
Local News
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an “overwhelming danger to society.” The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.