A tight-knit family’s joyful beach getaway ended in unimaginable tragedy when their small plane crashed in Sanford, North Carolina, killing all four aboard. Travis and Candace Buchanan, along with their kids Aubrey and Walker, were heading home when the accident occurred—a heartbreaking loss for their community.

Editor’s Note: Plane crashes involving private aircraft rarely make national headlines, but stories like this hit hard because they remind us how quickly ordinary lives can be shattered. The Buchanans weren’t just statistics—they were parents, neighbors, and friends. It’s a sobering moment for anyone who’s ever hugged their family a little tighter after a trip.