Southlake Dentist And Sons Among Dead In Plane Crash
SOUTHLAKE (CBSDFW.COM) - Two sets of brothers are among the dead in a plane crash southeast of Terrell.
A Beechcraft Bonzana plane departed from Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke early Saturday morning, but air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact with the aircraft around 9:40 a.m. about 25 miles southeast of Terrell.
The Texas Department of Public Safety spotted the downed aircraft around 6 p.m. Saturday night.
Sunday, a justice of the peace in Van Zandt County identified the victims as Gregory Ledet, 62, Leonard Ledet, 60, and Leonard's two sons, Paul, 17, and Mason, 13.
The four were headed to Mississippi to watch a Texas A&M football game.
At Urban Air Trampoline Park where Paul Ledet worked, employees held their emotions together for their customers, but there was a deep sadness among workers.
"He was actually supposed to have a shift today," said Michael Browning, owner of Urban Air Trampoline Park. "So we closed the register down and made a memorial for him. We're honoring him today and the kids are coming up and just rallying behind each other to help us get through this time."
Paul was a junior at Southlake Carroll High School. Mason was an 8th grader at Carroll Middle School.
Paul is described as a kid who always had a smile on his face. Dozens of friends posted comments on social media sites Twitter and Facebook, expressing condolenses to the family.
"He was a great kid," Browning said, fighting back tears. "He's just a solid kid, you know, very invovled in the community, comes from a great family."
Dr. Leonard Ledet had a successful dentistry office in Southlake and is survived by his wife and two daughters. His family declined on camera interviews but released a statement through Carroll ISD:
"The family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers -particularly the prayers - during this difficult time. They ask that you please respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved ones."
Carroll ISD released their own statement:
"Our hearts are heavy in Carroll ISD at the news of such great loss within our Dragon family. Our counselors and staff stand ready to serve and assist students upon their return to class Tuesday."
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash.
