Emergency Notice: Crews on Scene

Emergency Notice: Crews on Scene

2 PM

On Tuesday, May 4, emergency personnel responded to a report of a downed aircraft on Annie Christie Drive in Hattiesburg around 11:20 p.m. When emergency crews arrived on scene, it was confirmed that a civilian airplane had crashed into a home.

In total, there were four fatalities – one was the husband of a city employee who resided in the home. The other three were family members of a student at Southern Miss who were traveling for Commencement exercises later today.

According to Forrest County Coroner Butch Benedict, the victims in the Tuesday night plane crash have been identified as the following:

  • Gerry Standley, 55, of Hattiesburg
  • Louis Provenza, 67, of Texas
  • Harper Provenza, 2, of Texas
  • Anna Calhoun, 23, of Texas

“Today, we grieve over the loss of four individuals who lost their lives during last night’s tragic plane crash. They were connected to our city workforce and our Southern Miss community, and it’s a heartbreaking loss for all,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “To the families: we know we cannot bear the full impact of this tragedy for you. But know that we feel the loss deeply with you.”

In response to the crash, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources will be available for onsite crisis and grief counseling at Edwards Street Fellowship (1919 Edwards Street, Bldg #1), Wednesday, May 5 through Friday, May 7 – between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Mental Health Therapists, Community Support Specialists and Peer Support Specialists will be available to residents, should they be needed.

The University of Southern Mississippi also has resources available through. Student Counseling Services (SCS). They can be reached at 601-266-4829 during regular business hours and on weekends at 601-606-4357.

The investigation has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. They will be in our city for the next several days.

At this time, Edwards Street is back open to thru traffic. Annie Christie Drive is closed entirely from Evans Street, down to Collins Street to help with the FAA investigation.

If residents find debris or wreckage believed to be related to the crash, they should not touch or attempt to remove it. Instead, they are asked to contact the Hattiesburg Police Department at 601-467-7556.

##


10 AM

According to Forrest County Coroner Butch Benedict, the victims in the Tuesday night plane crash have been identified as the following:

  • Gerry Standley, 55, of Hattiesburg
  • Louis Provenza, 67, of Texas
  • Harper Provenza, 2, of Texas
  • Anna Calhoun, 23, of Texas

In response to the plane crash on May 4 in the Irene Chapel Neighborhood, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources will be available for onsite crisis and grief counseling at Edwards Street Fellowship, Wednesday, May 5 through Friday, May 7 – between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Mental Health Therapists, Community Support Specialists and Peer Support Specialists will be available to residents, should they be needed.

Counseling will be available:
Wednesday, May 5 – Friday, May 7
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To access, citizens can visit:
Edwards Street Fellowship, Bldg #1
1919 Edwards Street, Hattiesburg


9:30 AM

In response to the plane crash on May 4 in the Irene Chapel Neighborhood, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources will be available for onsite crisis and grief counseling at Edwards Street Fellowship, Wednesday May 5 through Friday, May 7 – between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Mental Health Therapists, Community Support Specialists and Peer Support Specialists will be available to residents, should they be needed.

Services will be available:

Wednesday, May 5 – Friday, May 7 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To access, citizens can visit:

Edwards Street Fellowship, Bldg #1 | 1919 Edwards Street, Hattiesburg


5 AM

On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, emergency personnel responded to a report of a downed aircraft on Annie Christie Drive around 11:20 p.m.

When emergency crews arrived on the scene, it was confirmed that a civilian airplane had crashed into a home.

We can confirm, in total there are four fatalities.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been contacted to handle the investigation, and are en route to the scene.

At this time, Edwards Street is back open to thru traffic. Annie Christie Drive is closed entirely from Evans Street, down to Collins Street.

If you find any debris or wreckage in your yard or property that you believe is connected to the crash, do not touch or remove it, and please contact the Hattiesburg Police Department at 601-467-7556.


1 AM

Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, emergency personnel responded to a report of a downed aircraft on Annie Christie Drive around 11:20 p.m. When emergency crews arrived on the scene, it was confirmed that a civilian aircraft had crashed into a home.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been contacted to handle the investigation.

At this time, Edwards Street from Barkley Road to Collins Street is closed to thru traffic, as well as all of Annie Christie Drive.

Residents are asked to not touch or remove any debris found in yards or on property. They should call Hattiesburg Police Department at 601-467-7556 immediately.

No additional details are available at this time.

##