Family of 4 Tragically Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash – Here’s What We Know

A tragic plane crash claimed the lives of a family of four in Sanford, North Carolina, on Monday afternoon, July 7, 2025. The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T, went down in a field in Lee County near the Raleigh Executive Jetport.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the incident. According to Aviation Accident Investigator Ryan Enders, the aircraft had departed from Merritt Island, Florida, and was en route to the Raleigh Executive Jetport in Sanford.

All four people on board, Travis Buchanan, 35, his wife Candace Buchanan, 35, and their two children, tragically died in the crash.

“It’s a tragedy, by all means,” Enders said. “It’s a devastating blow to everybody in the community. We’re going to figure out what happened.”

Before the crash, the pilot made contact with the fixed-base operator at the airport to report communication problems, as well as issues with the aircraft’s engine and navigation systems.

To assist in the investigation, the wreckage will be transported to a facility in Tennessee for further analysis.

As part of its standard procedure, the NTSB also stated that it will review the pilot’s flight history and examine the activities and conditions during the 72 hours preceding the flight.

The Buchanan children’s school, Grace Christian Sanford, paid tribute to the family on social media. Following the announcement, members of the school community shared their personal memories of the Buchanans and expressed sorrow over their loss.

“Loved this family so much. So blessed for the daily hugs from sweet Aubrey, and the honor to teach Walker. The community will be a little dimmer now without their light. Praying for all of our families, friends, and the community who feel this indescribable loss tonight,” Kirstin Schwader wrote.

“What a privilege it was to teach sweet Walker and know this wonderful family. I am praying for their family and friends. This is heartbreaking,” added Tammy H. Strickland.

“I was blessed to teach both Aubrey and Walker in Kindergarten. My heart is broken over this tragic loss. Praying for everyone who is hurting,” commented Maci Bullard.

The family owned Buchanan Farms in Sanford, where they ran a local produce stand and often hosted community events. A longtime employee, Abraham Garcia, said they were returning home from a beach trip when the crash occurred.

“He helped me all the time,” Garcia added of his late employer, Travis Buchanan. They worked together for eight years.

The farm’s most recent Facebook post, published on the Fourth of July, wished followers a “Happy and Safe 4th of July.”

While the investigation into the crash continues, the impact of the Buchanan family on their community remains clear. Many residents remembered them not only for their warmth and kindness but also for their generosity and efforts to support charitable causes through community events.

Andrea Adame of Los Charros Mexican Restaurant described her heartbreak upon hearing the news. “When I heard yesterday about this accident, it broke me,” she admitted. “I’m a mother, and I cried because I really think they were important in this community. They were trying to provide a healthy and safe environment for the family.”

The Buchanans were well known for their farm in Lee County and for organizing gatherings that brought the local community together. “That was truly their goal, just to have a place to have the community come together, and you could see that at the events, at the sessions,” shared Nickie Runyan of Nickie Runyan Photography.

The family had been planning another charity event for the upcoming weekend, but now, friends and relatives say they are focused on grieving and determining how to move forward.

Michael Yarborough, owner of Yarborough’s Ice Cream and Grill, recalled sourcing strawberries for his shop from Buchanan Farms and noted Travis’s integrity and character. “That was the main reason I would always go there,” he said, “because I was always greeted kindly.”

Another tragic plane crash occurred just days before, when a twin-engine plane crashed into the woods in Ohio, just minutes after takeoff.

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, a plane crashed in the woods of Trumbull County — just moments after leaving Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Vienna, Ohio. There were no survivors.

Officials have now identified all six victims and released their names to the public.

The Trumbull County coroner identified four passengers — James Weller Jr., his wife Veronica Weller, their son John Weller, and John’s wife Maria Weller (ages 67, 68, 36, and 34, respectively) — as reported by Cleveland19.

Additionally, two crew members lost their lives — pilot Joseph Maxin, 63, and co-pilot Timothy Blake, 55. The Cessna 441 crashed near Howland Township’s King Graves and Henn Hyde roads 1.2 miles northwest of the airport.

According to airport officials, the plane crashed less than seven minutes after taking off at 6:53 a.m. It had made a left turn before it crashed about a minute later. In the wake of the crash, the Mahoning Valley community is mourning the loss of their beloved residents.

The Weller family had deep roots in the area. James Jr. was a prominent executive at Liberty Steel Industries — founded by his father in 1965 — and served as president and CEO at the time of his death.

They were also a dominant presence at Sharon Speedway. Three generations of the family were avid racers, including grandfather James Sr., James Jr., and his son Jimmy (who was not on board). Jackson Township Trustee Tom Frost said:

“It’s a real tragedy, they’ve been great neighbors to us and great additions to the community.”

Sharon Speedway also issued a statement following the crash. They expressed deep sadness at the tragic loss and cited the Wellers’ many accomplishments and ties to the track in a Facebook post.

“Jim won 36 times in the Big-Block Modified division at Sharon Speedway and was a 2-time track champion. His late father Jim Weller, Sr. co-owned Sharon Speedway from 2002-2024,” read the post, adding a call for prayers for the family.

Pilot Joseph Maxin was a lead flight instructor at Youngstown Flight School. He was also director of compliance for the Western Reserve Port Authority and a former Mahoning County assistant prosecutor.

In a statement on Maxin’s death, Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro recalled his long and successful career. He first joined the prosecutor’s office in 1990, serving the civil and criminal divisions for decades.

Lynn described Joseph as “not only a skilled attorney, but also a beloved friend and colleague, known for his kindness, good nature and one-of-a-kind humorous personality.”

On X, the National Transportation Safety Board’s official media relations account announced the opening of an investigation into the crash.

The Wellers were survived by Jimmy Weller III, a former NASCAR stock racer, as well as Jimmy and John’s mother, Ronnie Weller, among others.