Authorities began combing through debris near Terrell on Sunday to determine what caused a plane crash that killed four family members, including two teenage boys.
A Van Zandt County justice of the peace identified the victims as Leonard Ledet, 60, of Southlake, who was the pilot; his sons, Paul, 17; and Mason, 13; and Ledet's brother and co-pilot, Gregory Ledet, 62, of Keller.The group departed about 9 a.m. Saturday from Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke, headed for Mississippi to watch the Texas A&M-Ole Miss football game, Justice of the Peace Ronnie Daniell said.But weather conditions forced the plane, a Beechcraft Bonanza, to divert to Terrell.Authorities found the wreckage Saturday evening about 25 miles southeast of Terrell, said Tony Molinaro, spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration.The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause, along with the FAA.Crews arrived over the weekend to search the crash site, where Daniell said debris is scattered about 100 yards long and 50 to 60 yards wide.On Sunday, the Ledet family released a brief statement: "The family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers -- particularly the prayers -- during this difficult time. They ask that you please respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved ones."Leonard Ledet, a Southlake dentist and graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry, focused on providing dental care to residents of long-term care facilities, according to his office's website.Paul Ledet was a junior at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake.Mason Ledet was an eighth-grader at Carroll Middle School in Southlake.Grief counselors will be on hand when students return to school Tuesday, said Julie Thannum, district spokeswoman.School is not in session today."Our hearts are heavy in Carroll ISD at the news of such great loss within our Dragon family," the district said in a statement.Sarah Bahari, 817-390-7056Twitter: @sarahbfwHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
