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2 killed in Putnam County plane crash, officials say

By Action News Jax
By Action News Jax

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Two people were killed in a plane crash Wednesday morning in Putnam County, officials said.

Officials were called to reports of a plane crash in the area of Smiley Store Road and U.S. Highway 17 around 9:15 a.m.

Putnam County Fire Rescue said they received multiple 911 calls about a small bang or explosion, and a small aircraft plummeting to the ground.

Officials said the pilot, 67-year-old Thomas Stevens of Crescent City, was one of two people killed.

Stevens' friend told Action News Jax Stevens was a grandfather and retired Navy Commander.

He sometimes filled in as pastor at a local church, he said.

The other person killed has been identified as Joe Anthony Fyock of Orange City.

Gordon Bolay, who told Action News Jax he works at a nearby farm that Stevens managed, witnessed the crash and called 911.

"We heard an explosion," Bolay said. "We looked up and the airplane, the aircraft, whatever you want to call it, had exploded. And as soon as we saw that, we all got in the trucks come out to the area where we saw it go down."  

Bolay said he recognized the plane and knew it was his boss. Officials described the plane as an experimental aircraft with wings that were of a canvas material.

"Knowing the person that was in it, I guess you kind of go, and fight or flight mode, you want to go find them and see if they're still alive," Bolay said.

Bolay was one of several of Stevens' employees gathered at the crash site Wednesday.

"I know that he has helped and everybody on the farm looks at him as a dad. He's a very honest and fair man," Bolay said.

The crash is still under investigation.

Action News Jax is following the story. Watch Action News Jax and follow us on Twitter @ActionNewsJax for the latest. 

Cox Media Group

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