A heartbreaking plane crash in Sanford, North Carolina, has left an entire community grieving after a family of four tragically lost their lives just a mile away from their destination.
On Monday afternoon, July 7, 2025, a Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed into a field in Lee County near the Raleigh Executive Jetport. The victims were identified as 35-year-old Travis Buchanan, his wife Candace, also 35, and their two young children.
According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator Ryan Enders, the family had departed from Merritt Island, Florida, and were headed to Sanford. Shortly before the crash, the pilot reported communication issues as well as problems with the plane’s engine and navigation systems.
The wreckage is set to be transported to Tennessee for further analysis as part of the investigation. Officials will also examine the pilot’s recent activities and review the final 72 hours before the accident.
The Buchanan family was beloved in the local community. They owned Buchanan Farms in Sanford, known for its produce stand and community events. A close family friend and farm employee, Abraham Garcia, revealed they had been returning home from a beach trip when the tragedy happened.
In heartfelt tributes online, members of Grace Christian Sanford — where the Buchanan children attended — remembered them with love. Teachers and friends shared stories of hugs from little Aubrey and the joy of teaching Walker.
“They brought so much light to our community. It won’t be the same without them,” wrote one teacher.
Travis was described as kind and supportive, always eager to help. The family was deeply involved in local activities, often organizing gatherings to bring neighbors together and raise money for charitable causes.
Andrea Adame from Los Charros Mexican Restaurant expressed her sorrow, saying she was “broken” upon hearing the news. “As a mother, I cried. They were such an important part of this community,” she shared.
Photographer Nickie Runyan noted that the Buchanans were driven by a mission to unite the community through their farm.
Just before their passing, the family had been planning another charity event. Friends now say their focus has shifted to honoring their memory and supporting each other during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, only days earlier, another plane crash devastated a community in Ohio. On June 29, 2025, a Cessna 441 carrying six people crashed into the woods in Trumbull County shortly after taking off from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
All on board died, including James Weller Jr., his wife Veronica, their son John, John’s wife Maria, and two pilots — Joseph Maxin and Timothy Blake.
James Jr. had been a prominent figure at Liberty Steel Industries and was deeply tied to Sharon Speedway racing. The Weller family’s contributions to motorsports and the community were widely celebrated, with Sharon Speedway honoring Jim’s legacy in a heartfelt statement.
Pilot Joseph Maxin was a respected flight instructor and a former prosecutor known for his dedication and warm personality.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of both tragic crashes. Communities in North Carolina and Ohio now face the difficult task of mourning and remembering the remarkable lives lost far too soon.