HOLLY SPRINGS, MS. (THECOUNT) — Wesley Bolden, 28, of Marshall County, and Jordan Hall, 17, of Olive Branch, have been identified as the two people killed Sunday afternoon when a small aircraft crashed near the Holly Springs–Marshall County Airport in northern Mississippi.
According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 5:00 p.m. Sunday after receiving reports of a plane that had gone down near the airport, which is located near Greer Road just outside the city limits of Holly Springs.
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When deputies arrived in the area, they located a small aircraft that had crashed in a heavily wooded section east of the runway on the south end of the airport property. Authorities said the aircraft was actively burning when first responders reached the scene.
Multiple fire departments from across Marshall County and surrounding areas responded to the crash site and worked to extinguish the fire. After the flames were brought under control, emergency personnel confirmed that both occupants of the aircraft were deceased at the scene.
Authorities have not released information regarding who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash, nor have they disclosed details about the aircraft’s flight path or point of departure prior to the incident.
The Holly Springs–Marshall County Airport is a general aviation facility serving Marshall County and the surrounding region. The airport primarily accommodates small private aircraft and flight training operations. It is situated south of downtown Holly Springs, the county seat of Marshall County.
At this time, investigators have not said what caused the aircraft to crash. Weather conditions at the time of the incident have not been officially cited as a contributing factor, and no mechanical issues have been confirmed.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that it is actively investigating the crash. Federal aviation authorities are also expected to be notified, as is standard procedure in fatal aviation incidents involving civilian aircraft.
Officials said the wooded terrain and fire damage complicated access to the wreckage, requiring responders to approach the crash site on foot.
Authorities have not indicated when additional information will be released, including whether the National Transportation Safety Board or Federal Aviation Administration will take over or assist with the investigation.
Fatal small-aircraft crashes are typically examined for a combination of factors, including mechanical performance, pilot experience, weather conditions, and air traffic considerations. Investigators will also document wreckage patterns and review any available flight or maintenance records.
Bolden was publicly identified as 29 years old, however THECOUNT.com has learned he was actually 28.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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