PARADISE, Texas – A tragic plane crash in Parker County took the lives of a prominent North Texas surgeon and two of his children on Sunday. The plane, believed to be a twin-engine Cessna, flew out of a Wise County airport with three people on board before crashing near Lone Star Road and BJ Lane in the Poolville area.
Dr. Heath Smith, the vice president of the school board in Paradise, and his two children were identified as the victims of the crash by school officials. The superintendent of Paradise ISD expressed deep sadness and grief over the devastating loss of the Smith family, highlighting Dr. Smith’s significant impact on the school district as an alumnus, parent, and board member.
Elected to the school board in 2017 and re-elected in 2023, Dr. Smith was not only a dedicated board member but also a respected bariatric surgeon with offices in Decatur and Fort Worth. The entire community mourns the tragic loss of a passionate advocate for education and healthcare.
The cause of the crash remains unknown as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the incident. As the community grapples with this devastating loss, heartfelt condolences and prayers are being extended to the Smith family during this incredibly difficult time.