Beloved family of four killed in tragic plane crash while returning home from beach vacation
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A beloved family of four were tragically killed when their plane went down in a field while traveling home from their beach vacation. 

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of one of our Crusader Families,” Grace Christian Sanford School wrote in a post on Facebook.

“The Buchanan Family; Students Aubrey (rising 5th) and Walker (rising 4th) along with their parents, Travis and Candace, went to be with the Lord today,” the statement continued. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to Fox News Digital that a Cirrus SR22 crashed in a wooded area in Sanford, North Carolina, around 1:45 p.m. local time on Monday, July 7. 

Aubrey and Walker Buchanan with dad, Travis

Image of the Buchanan family from a Halloween event in 2024 where funds were raised for the Reach Out Pregnancy Center local in Sanford, according to the photographer.  (Nickie Runyan Photography )

“I still remember the day Travis came to the restaurant and brought us a lot of his harvests to try, we even name a margarita after his farm. During this difficult time, we stand together in support of their family. We send all our prayers, support and condolences to their families and friends.”

Another local business, Nickie Runyan Photography, shared fond memories with the family and called the family’s passing “an immense loss.” 

“Travis and Candace have worked alongside me from the beginning of my photography business. They were always so generous to offer up farm space for mini-sessions or hosting my mini-session ministry days,” Runyan wrote in post on Facebook. “It was truly a joy to work alongside them any chance I had, and my entire family loved attending their farm events. They truly were a beacon of light in our community with all that they did.”

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be leading the investigation, with both agencies expected to arrive at the crash site on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the NTSB told Fox News Digital that “it is very early in the investigation and not much information is available at this time.” 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Philadelphia workers and city reach a deal to end strike that halted residential trash pickup

Philadelphia workers and city reach a deal to end strike that halted residential trash pickup

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A union representing thousands…
Space industry urges Congress not to ax satellite collisions system

Space sector urges lawmakers not to eliminate satellite crash avoidance system

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Hundreds of U.S. companies on Tuesday urged Congress to back off…
Newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032

Earth rotating quicker leads to Wednesday anticipated as one of the shortest days in history

Earth is expected to complete a full rotation on July 9 roughly…
Jeffrey Epstein's brother laughs at 'stupid' FBI memo defending controversial suicide ruling: report

Jeffrey Epstein’s brother laughs at ‘stupid’ FBI memo defending controversial suicide ruling: report

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Jeffrey Epstein’s brother is…
French right-wing National Rally party HQ raided by police in 'harassment operation'

French right-wing National Rally party HQ raided by police in ‘harassment operation’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The headquarters of the…
NASA sends specialized aircraft, technology to aid Texas flood search and recovery operations

NASA sends specialized aircraft, technology to aid Texas flood search and recovery operations

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! In the wake of…
Hundreds of earthquakes detected at Washington's Mt. Rainier

Washington’s Mt. Rainier has experienced hundreds of earthquakes

Early Tuesday morning, a swarm of hundreds of small earthquakes was detected…
Hot car deaths claim 10 children in US this year

Tragic Deaths of 10 Children in the US Due to Heatstroke in Vehicles

Since June 5, 2025 across the U.S. ten children have died in…