A joyful family vacation ended in heartbreak when a small private plane crashed in North Carolina, claiming the lives of a mother, father, and their two young children.
On July 7, Travis and Candace Buchanan, both 35, were flying back home with their children—10-year-old Aubrey and 9-year-old Walker—when their aircraft went down just outside Sanford, near the Raleigh Executive Jetport in Lee County.
A Vacation Turns Tragic
The Buchanans had spent time in Florida, reportedly enjoying a beach trip over the holiday weekend. The family, who ran Buchanan Farms in Sanford, departed from Merritt Island late that morning.
Around 1:36 p.m., and less than 20 minutes from landing, tragedy struck. Their single-engine, four-seat aircraft—registered under Travis Buchanan’s name—crashed in a dense wooded area for reasons that remain unknown, according to reports.
First responders arrived at the crash site shortly after 2 p.m. Three family members were found deceased at the scene. The fourth was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from injuries.
A Community in Mourning
The loss has left the local farming community devastated. A neighboring farm, Pint Sized Pasture, shared a moving tribute online:
“Our hearts are absolutely broken… It’s impossible to comprehend. The Buchanans weren’t just fellow farmers—they were part of the foundation of this community. Their generosity, hard work, and spirit touched so many.”
As investigations continue into what caused the crash, family, friends, and neighbors are left grieving the sudden loss of four cherished lives.
May they rest in peace. 💔
