Local News
Video Capture Moments Plane Crashes in Boca Raton, Victims Identified
Authorities have released the identities of the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash near the Boca Raton Airport on Friday, April 11.
According to the Boca Raton Police Services Department, the victims were members of the same family:
- Robert Stark, 81, of Boca Raton
- Stephen Stark, 54, of Delray Beach
- Brooke Stark, 17, of Delray Beach
All three were on board the ill-fated aircraft when it went down shortly after takeoff.
The sole individual injured on the ground, Pablo Tafur, 24, was identified as the driver of a Toyota that was struck during the crash.
His injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The crash, which occurred around 10:12 a.m., sent a fireball and heavy plumes of smoke into the air, visible from surrounding neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
Graphic video footage from the scene showed the wreckage engulfed in flames, with bodies visible near the debris.
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 310R, tail number N8930N, built in 1977 and registered to REPROP LLC, a company based in Wilmington, Delaware.
The plane had departed Boca Raton en route to Tallahassee and had been airborne for approximately 8 to 10 minutes before it crashed near the intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road, close to Florida Atlantic University and a busy commercial area.
During a Friday evening press briefing, Kurt Gibson, an aviation accident investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stated that a full investigation is underway.
โWeโll be looking into three primary areas: the pilot, including their qualifications and recent history; the aircraftโs maintenance and records; and environmental conditions at the time of the crash,โ Gibson explained.
Data from FlightAware showed the plane performed several circular maneuvers before impact, indicating the pilot may have been experiencing difficulties.
The aircraft will be moved to a salvage facility for further inspection.
The NTSB confirmed that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while the final report could take 12 to 24 months to complete. The crash has prompted closures in the area, including a portion of North Military Trail and nearby train tracks.
Authorities are urging residents and commuters to avoid the area until further notice.
This tragic incident marks a somber moment for the Boca Raton community as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash and bring closure to the families affected.
Volusia County, Fla. โ A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.