In the tragic plane crash that occurred on April 11 at the Cherokee National Forest, three members of the University of Middle Tennessee golf student's family lost their lives. The tragedy affected not only the student community but also the entire sports community of the state.
According to official information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a small single-engine airplane Mooney M20 crashed in a hard-to-reach area near Reliance around 16:20 local time. On board were three people, all of whom died at the scene.
The victims of the crash were Carter Manet's father, grandfather, and grandmother — a golfer from the Blue Raiders team of Middle Tennessee State University. As reported by the administration of the institution, the family was heading to North Carolina for the Tar Heel Intercollegiate golf tournament to support Carter during the competition.
«Our hearts are broken by this tragedy. Carter is part of our big family, and we share his pain. The entire university is praying for him and his loved ones,» — states the official statement of MTSU.
The exact cause of the crash has not yet been established. Following standard procedures, the investigation is being conducted by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States. Specialists are already working at the scene, collecting data and analyzing aircraft wreckage.
The Cleveland Fire Department, which participated in search and rescue operations, also expressed their condolences to the victims' families:
«Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,» — they wrote on their official Facebook page.
Local residents and members of the university community organized joint prayers and memorial events to support Carter Manet. Classmates and coaches describe him as an inspired athlete, dedicated to his family and his craft.
This tragic event reminds us how fleeting life can be, even during moments when we are focused on victories and achievements. The Blue Raiders community is already coming together around Carter to provide him with all the necessary support during this difficult time.
