On Tuesday afternoon, a tragic incident occurred shortly after a plane took off from Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, resulting in the deaths of five individuals when it collided with a car.
The crash happened around 4:40 p.m. at the intersection of Greenfield and McKellips Roads, sending flames and smoke into the air. The aircraft involved was identified as a six-seater HondaJet HA-420.
Marrisa Ramirez-Ramos, spokesperson for the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, expressed the community’s sorrow: We experienced a heartbreaking loss this afternoon. A plane took off from Falcon Field Airport in Mesa and crashed into a single vehicle on Greenfield Road.
At the time of the accident, there was a pilot, co-pilot, and three passengers aboard the plane. Sadly, four of them lost their lives; they have been named as:
Drew Kimball, 44
Grahm Kimball, 12 (Officials spelled this victim’s name as ‘Graham,’ but family members say the victim’s name is ‘Grahm.’)
Spencer Lindahl, 43
Rustin Randall, 48
The HOPE Mental Health Foundation shared a heartfelt tribute to Drew and Grahm, highlighting that Grahm was Drew’s son.
They remembered how impactful his speech had been at their gala attended by 200 guests where he emphasized checking in on our loved ones.
We will carry forward his message and legacy, they stated while extending their prayers to the Kimball family and everyone affected by this tragedy.
One person on board did survive but is currently hospitalized. Unfortunately, the driver of the car that was struck also died; authorities are waiting to inform their family before releasing any details about them.
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is looking into what caused this crash.
As for traffic updates, police have closed Greenfield Road in both directions between McKellips and McDowell due to ongoing investigations.