Local News
62-Year-Old Douglas Emge Killed in Small Plane Crash in DeKalb County, Alabama
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.
Local News
2-Year-Old Aurora Wenzel Dies After Devastating Two-Vehicle Crash in Isabella County, Michigan
ISABELLA COUNTY, Mich. — A heartbreaking traffic collision in Isabella County has claimed the life of 2-year-old Aurora Wenzel, a young girl from Alma, Michigan. The toddler died after a two-vehicle crash in Coe Township on Wednesday evening, November 11, 2026, leaving her family and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss.
According to the Michigan State Police, the collision occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of East Coe Road and South East County Line Road.
Aurora was a passenger in a 2023 Hyundai Kona involved in the crash. Despite being rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, the little girl sadly did not survive.
Investigators said a 2023 Hyundai Kona, driven by a 22-year-old man, was traveling westbound on East Coe Road when it was struck by a 2021 Chrysler Voyager.
The impact caused the Hyundai to overturn, leaving several people injured.
Aurora was among those inside the Hyundai. She sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she later died.
The driver and two additional occupants of the Hyundai were also taken to the hospital. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
Authorities have not provided further details about the occupants of the Chrysler Voyager or the full circumstances leading up to the collision.
Following the tragedy, Aurora’s mother, Natalie Long-Terwilliger, shared an emotional message on Facebook confirming the loss of her beloved daughter.
According to her mother’s account, the family had been returning home after a short shopping trip when the crash occurred.
She also shared a touching detail about Aurora’s final day. The little girl had spent time choosing beautiful winter dresses for her pageants and upcoming photographs.
What may have seemed like an ordinary shopping trip became a memory the family will carry forever. Those simple moments of happiness, spent together choosing outfits and enjoying time as a family, have now taken on a heartbreaking meaning.
At just two years old, Aurora had so much of childhood ahead of her. Her family had dreams to watch her grow, celebrate her milestones, and make countless memories together. Her life was tragically cut short before she had the chance to experience all that the future could have held.
Aurora’s mother also expressed gratitude to the people who stopped to help at the scene, the first responders, medical professionals, and the family members and friends who have offered support during this painful time.
Michigan State Police said alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been contributing factors in the collision.
Preliminary findings suggest that a driver may have failed to obey a stop sign. However, investigators have not completed their work, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Authorities have not announced any final conclusions regarding responsibility for the collision.
The loss of a young child is a devastating tragedy, and Aurora’s death has left her family facing a future without the little girl they loved so dearly.
Although her time on earth was heartbreakingly short, the memories she created with her family will remain part of their lives forever. Her final day, filled with the simple joy of choosing dresses and spending time with loved ones, will be remembered with both love and sorrow.
Our deepest condolences go out to Natalie Long-Terwilliger, Aurora’s father, their family, friends, and everyone mourning this precious little girl. May they find strength, comfort, and support as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Rest peacefully, sweet Aurora. Gone far too soon, loved beyond words, and never forgotten.