SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - Sangamon County Coroner Cinda Edwards, former Springfield mayor Frank Edwards and 69-year-old John Evans have died in a Tuesday afternoon plane crash, the Sangamon County Coroner's Office announced.
On Tuesday, Air traffic controllers at the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport notified 911 around 3:09 p.m. that an aircraft had crashed. Authorities said several agencies responded to the 3100 block of White Timber Drive and found flames coming from a plane. Nobody was able to approach it.
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3 people, 1 dog die in plane crash
The Sangamon County coroner's office responded to the scene, where authorities said they discovered three deceased people and a dog.
There were no survivors in the crash. Official's released the names of the victims on Wednesday morning. The victims were taken to the McLean County Coroner's Office in Bloomington for scientific identification and examination.
Investigators are waiting on the Federal Aviation Administration for more. They did add that the airport tower reported trouble with equipment and that weather might have been a factor.
The FAA released the following statement about the crash earlier Tuesday afternoon:
A twin-engine Piper Aerostar went down in a field while on approach to the Springfield, IL, airport this afternoon. The plane departed from Huntsville, AL.
Please contact local officials for information about the condition of the occupants.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate. We will release a tail number after investigators verify it at the crash site.
Frank Edwards was the former Springfield Fire Chief. He was elected to alderman in 2003. Following the death of Mayor Tim Davlin in 2010, Frank took over until 2011. He was then elected Ward 1 Alderman and was on the city council until 2015. In 2019 he lost the Mayoral race to incumbent Jim Langfelder.
Cinda Edwards was the Sangamon County Coroner since 2011.
State Senator Andy Manar issued a statement following the news of their deaths.
“My heart breaks for the families of those involved in this tragedy. Cinda and Frank Edwards were devoted public servants to the communities of Springfield and Sangamon County. I ask everyone to join me in sending heartfelt condolences to the Edwards family.”
Both Cinda and Frank also gave back to the community. In recent years they were call takers at UCP Telethons.
Mayor Jim Langfelder also released a state following the passes of Cinda and Frank Edwards.
“I was saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Cinda and Frank Edwards and John Evans. Cinda was a dedicated member of the Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees and brought true integrity to the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office under difficult circumstances.
Frank helped protect the citizens of Springfield as a member of the Springfield Fire Department for 25 years, including as Chief. He went on to become Alderman of Ward 1 and represent the residents from 2003 to 2015. We especially appreciate his four months on the council when he served as interim Mayor upon the death of Mayor Tim Davlin, and helped the city navigate through another difficult time.
We recognize both Cinda and Frank for their public service and commitment to Springfield and Sangamon County. Our hearts go out to both families and join everyone in keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.”
John Evans, of Glenarm, spent more than two decades working for the Capitol Development Board, according to online records. Recently he operated Evans Consulting Services.
The crash happened about seven miles southeast of the airport. NBC affiliate WAFF reports the plane originated from Florida and made a stop to refuel in Huntsville Alabama.
Agencies including, the Sangamon County Coroner's Office, Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, Springfield Police, Rochester Police, Rochester Fire Department, EMS, Sangamon County Rescue Squad and the FAA have been working the crash.
According to the FAA website, the plane was built in 1979 and is owned by LKJ Properties LLC in Springfield.