Paradise ISD School Incident: Paradise ISD School Board Vice President Heath Smith Dies in Tragic Plane Crash

Paradise ISD School Incident: A somber cloud hangs over Paradise ISD as one of its own, school board member Heath Smith, tragically lost his life in a plane crash. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Parker County, claiming the lives of three individuals, including two children. The crash site, located on Lone Star Road and BJ Lane near Poolville, became a scene of sorrow and investigation.

Paradise ISD School Incident

Heath Smith, a Paradise resident, and the school board’s current vice president, was piloting a Cessna 310R fixed-wing multi-engine aircraft with the tail number N252DL. The plane, registered to Plac Holdings LLC in Paradise, crashed into a pasture around 1:15 p.m. According to Tony Molinaro from the Federal Aviation Administration, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragic incident.

Sgt. William Lockridge of the Texas Department of Public Safety provided additional details, stating that the flight had originated from Dimmit County Airport at 10:58 a.m. The scheduled destination was Bridgeport Municipal Airport, with a planned landing shortly after noon on Sunday.

Lockridge confirmed that two children, aged six and eight, also lost their lives in the crash. Despite sharing the same last name as Heath Smith, their specific relation remains uncertain, as the flight manifest did not provide this information.

What Happened at Paradise ISD School?

Heath Smith had been an integral part of the Paradise ISD school board, currently serving his third term after running unopposed in 2023. Elected in 2017, he had secured his position by defeating then-vice president Kevin Howerton. Smith’s commitment to the community extended beyond the school board, as evidenced by his family connection to the district. His brother, Landon Smith, currently serves as the Paradise ISD Place 4 trustee.

Apart from his role in education, Heath Smith made significant contributions to the medical field. As a general and bariatric surgeon at Wise Health System’s My Bariatric Solutions in Fort Worth, he played a crucial role in the well-being of his patients. A graduate of Texas A&M University Medical School in 2009, Smith completed his residency at Virginia Tech University’s Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia.

Who Was Heath Smith?

Paradise ISD Superintendent Will Brewer expressed deep condolences, stating, “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. 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.”

The crash is currently under investigation by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A preliminary accident/incident report is expected to be released on Monday, shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

As the Paradise ISD community grapples with the loss of a dedicated board member and the two young lives cut short, the investigations will be crucial in understanding the factors that led to this tragedy. The entire community, along with friends and well-wishers, stands united in grief and support for the Smith family during this difficult time.