RDU Airport, N.C. – This morning, after an exhaustive search, a Piper PA-32 was located by a grounds crew near the Reedy Creek Multi-Use Trail in William B. Umstead State Park.

There were two casualties associated with the incident. Dr. Harvey Partridge and Patricia Partridge, both 72, of Terra Ceia, Fla. were on board the aircraft. Responders are continuing to evaluate the site and officials request that everyone avoid the area until further notice.

“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the Partridges,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “I want to thank our mutual aid partners for their collaborative effort throughout this difficult event.”

The following local and state partners participated in the operation:

• RDU Airport Authority

• C. State Highway Patrol

• C. State Park Rangers

• Raleigh Fire Department

• Raleigh Police Department

• Wake County EMS

• Wake County Sheriff’s Office

• Wake County Emergency Management

• Wake County Fire Services

• Durham Highway Fire Department

• Cary Fire Department

• Cary EMS

• Wake Forest Fire Department

• Holly Springs Fire Department

• New Hope Fire Department

• Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed an investigator from its Virginia regional office. The NTSB will assume all public information inquiries moving forward.

Further inquiries about the investigation should be directed to NTSB at (202) 314-6100.

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