'He was a brilliant man': Texas surgeon Heath Smith remembered as 'loving and dedicated' father after tragic plane crash

PARADISE, TEXAS: Texas surgeon Heath Smith, who lost his life in a tragic plane crash on Sunday, January 14, along with two children, is fondly remembered as a devoted and caring father.

“He was a brilliant man,” Will Brewer, superintendent of the Paradise Independent School District told People Magazine. Brewer added that the incident occurred just days before the doctor's birthday on Tuesday.

Smith served as vice president of the Texas school board besides his duties as a surgeon. “He really embodied what a trustee should be. He felt the community trusted him with the responsibility of serving the board," said Brewer. "He firmly believed in being a good steward of the legacy of Paradise ISD."

Where did the plane crash?

Smith and the two children were aboard a twin-engine Cessna 310 when it crashed near Poolville around 1:15 pm local time on Sunday, according to authorities.

Smith was piloting the airport at the time, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, reported the Wise County Messenger. 

Although the Texas Department of Public Safety declined to say whether the kids were Smith's children, they did tell the outlet that all of the passengers had "the same last name.” 

Smith was born and raised in Paradise, but went to Virginia Tech/Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, for his residency, according to his biography at My Bariatric Solutions, where he was employed.

Smith wanted 'to raise his kids' in his hometown

Brewer told the outlet that Smith decided to come back to his hometown "because he wanted to raise his kids here."

“One thing you need to know about Heath is he was very passionate about his love for this district. He loved this community," Brewer added. 

In addition to Smith's medical work, he was remembered as being a devoted dad and husband. "He was a proud father," says Brewer. "He loved his boys tremendously."

Brewer also highlighted Smith's work on the school board as someone who asked good questions based on his research. “He's a surgeon and he's a dad, and yet he would find time to do research issues we were facing,” added the superintendent. "He impacted a lot of lives.”

On Monday, January 15, Paradise ISD released a statement about the "unimaginable tragedy" on social media.

“On Sunday, the Dr Heath Smith family suffered an unimaginable tragedy,” school officials wrote.

“As a beloved part of our community, our sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with this family."

“During this time, as the community processes the devastating news and tries to cope with the grief, We will offer counseling and support services to all of our students and staff. Extra counselors and trained staff at PISD will provide support to any student or staff members in need throughout the upcoming days,” the statement added.