Heath Smith: Texas surgeon and two children killed after plane crashed into pasture

PARKER COUNTY, TEXAS: A surgeon and two children have tragically lost their lives following a plane crash in Parker County, Texas, over the weekend, according to officials.

As per preliminary information, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that a twin-engine Cessna 310 crashed near Poolville around 1.15 pm local time on Sunday, January 14, with three people aboard.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the plane crashed into a pasture, reported the Wise County Messenger.

The plane took off from Dimmit County Airport at 10.58 am, per Flight Aware, and was scheduled to arrive at the Bridgeport Municipal Airport shortly after noon.

The surgeon and his two kids share the same surname

The Wise County Messenger and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the individuals pronounced dead at the scene were identified as Dr Heath Smith and two children aged 6 and 8.

The Texas Department of Public Safety refrained from confirming whether the children were Dr. Heath Smith's offspring but informed the Wise County Messenger that all passengers shared "the same last name."

However, CBS affiliate KTVT reported that Paradise school officials confirmed that Smith and two of his children died in the crash.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Smith was piloting the airport at the time. 

The surgeon was a school board vice president 

Having served as a school board vice president for the Paradise Independent School District, Dr Heath Smith's association with the district was acknowledged by Superintendent Will Brewer, who expressed profound sorrow for the Smith family.

In a statement shared with KTVT, Brewer stated, "Our hearts are devastated for the Smith family. Words cannot fully express the grief that we feel for their loss."

"The tragedy that this family has endured is unimaginable. Dr Smith was a vital part of our school district as an alumnus, parent, and board member," Brewer added.

Brewer went on to express, "He was passionate about his love for Paradise ISD and his impact on students and staff will be long-lasting. Please keep the Smith family in your prayers."

According to his biography at My Bariatric Solutions, where he was employed, Dr Heath Smith was born and raised in Paradise. He further pursued his education at Texas A&M University in College Station.

He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree, and performed his residency at Virginia Tech/Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, per the bio, which stated that his areas of surgical exercise included bariatric, colonoscopy, colorectal and surgical oncology.

An investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Board is underway.