PAYSON, Arizona — Carter Buckner was 19 years old. He had his whole life ahead of him.
Late Sunday night, he was one of two people aboard a small plane that went down near Payson. Neither of them made it home.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Glasair Sportsman 2+2 crashed near Payson, Arizona on August 10 at around 11 p.m. Two people were on board.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office identified the two occupants as Brad Lawrence, 75, and Carter Buckner, 19 — both from Payson. Family members of one of the passengers confirmed to local media that both men died in the crash.
A Difficult Recovery in Rugged Terrain
The crash site was not easy to reach.
Authorities described the location as remote and set in rugged terrain, making the response far more challenging than a typical accident scene.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deployed a helicopter to help locate the wreckage. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office also sent a helicopter to get deputies safely to the scene to begin their investigation.
Community Mourns, Sheriff Calls for Unity
Gila County Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd released a statement thanking the neighboring counties for their swift coordination and response.
He extended his deepest condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy and asked the community to keep the families and friends of the victims in their thoughts and prayers.
“During a time like this, we are reminded of the strength of our community and the importance of supporting one another,” Sheriff Shepherd said.
Investigation Now Underway
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have both opened investigations into the crash.
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Authorities have not released any additional details about what may have led to the plane going down.
Carter Buckner was 19. Brad Lawrence was 75. Two families are now left with grief no one should have to carry.
If you have any information or are a member of the local community affected by this tragedy, share your thoughts in the comments below.