MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham was killed in a plane crash late Sunday morning around 11:30 a.m., according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The plane went down close in an open field near Marion County Airport, in Dunnellon. Graham had recently obtained his pilot’s license and was flying solo in a single-engine plane Sunday.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods released a statement late Sunday afternoon pledging support to Graham’s family and the Ocala Police Department.
“The family of Chief Greg Graham, Ocala Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and all who knew Chief Graham experienced a tragedy today. Right now, the focus is to assist his family and his family in blue who are impacted by his sudden and tragic loss,” Woods said.
Ocala City Councilmember Matthew Wardell released a brief statement on his Facebook page Sunday.
“An incredibly tragic day for Ocala. Please pray and send comforting thoughts to the entire Graham family,” he said.
Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn appointed Deputy Chief Mike Blaken as the interim Chief of Police.
The FAA and Marion County Sheriff’s Office are investingating this tragic accident.