Surgeon And His Two Young Children Killed In Plane Crash

On Sunday, January 14, a Texas surgeon and his two young children were murdered in a plane crash.

Dr. Heath Smith and his two children, ages 6 and 8, were killed after their light plane crashed on a farm in Parker County near Poolville, according to the Texas Department of Safety.

Smith, a member of his local school board, was flying a twin-engine Cessna C310 out of Dimmit County shortly before 11 a.m. According to Flight Aware, it was due to land in Bridgeport at 12:20 p.m.

Unfortunately, the plane never made it to its destination.

Instead, it crashed around 1:15 p.m., and all three were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the local newspaper.

The Cessna’s only passengers were the father and his children.

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Smith, a Wise Health System bariatric surgeon, has been vice president of the Paradise Independent School District since 2020.

The superintendent of the district verified his and his children’s deaths to CBS News Texas.

“Our hearts are devastated for the Smith family,” said Will Brewer, the superintendent of Paradise ISD. “Words cannot fully express the grief that we feel for their loss. The tragedy that this family has endured is unimaginable.”

Smith was elected to the school board for the first time in November 2017 and was re-elected in 2023.

“Dr. Smith was a vital part of our school district as an alumnus, parent, and board member,” Brewer said. “He was passionate about his love for Paradise ISD and his impact on students and staff will be long-lasting. Please keep the Smith family in your prayers.”

It is unknown what triggered the fatal accident. The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli