One day after a small plane crashed into a Wheelersburg-area home, killing the pilot and destroying the residence, the focus has shifted from the tragedy itself to the remarkable response from a community determined to help a family start over.
The McKenzie family escaped with their lives Thursday when a Cirrus SR20 aircraft crashed into their home on Bennett School House Road shortly after taking off from the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport.
The pilot, 76-year-old Kurt W. Paulus of Delaware, Ohio, died in the crash.
While the McKenzie family survived without physical injuries, they lost virtually everything else.
🏠 “IN A MATTER OF MOMENTS”
In a statement released Thursday evening, Notre Dame Schools described the devastating impact on the family.
“This morning, the McKenzie family—JD, Crystal, Colten, and Piper—experienced an unimaginable tragedy when a plane crashed into their home,” the school said.
“While we are incredibly grateful that they were able to escape their home safely, the devastation left behind is overwhelming.”
The school noted that the family lost the home they built together along with years of memories and treasured possessions.
“In a matter of moments, members of our school community lost so much.”
Notre Dame Schools has launched a fundraising effort to help the family begin rebuilding their lives.
🚒 FIRST RESPONDERS ANSWER THE CALL
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman praised the response of local firefighters, medics, deputies, and emergency personnel who rushed to the scene.
“Today served as a profound reminder of the strength and compassion found here in Scioto County,” Thoroughman said.
“In a time of critical need, our local first responders answered the call without a moment’s hesitation, demonstrating extreme bravery while putting their lives on the line for others.”
Thoroughman said he was thankful the McKenzie family survived and that none of the first responders were injured during the dangerous rescue and firefighting operation.
❤️ COMMUNITY STEPS UP
As emergency crews battled the fire and investigators worked the scene, local businesses and residents began showing up with supplies for exhausted first responders.
“I am also overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” Thoroughman said. “To the local businesses and residents who stepped up to bring food, water, Gatorade, and other essential supplies to our responders on the scene: Thank you.”
“We are truly blessed to live in a place where people look out for one another.”
🚨 MASSIVE RESPONSE
The crash drew assistance from numerous agencies, including:
- Minford Fire and EMS
- Rubyville Fire
- Clay Township Fire
- Jefferson Fire
- Porter Fire
- Valley Fire
- Vernon Fire and EMS
- South Webster Fire and EMS
- Stockdale Fire
- Scioto County Sheriff’s Office
- Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Scioto County EMA
- Scioto County Coroner
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- FAA
- NTSB
- Tri-State Airport
- Columbus Bomb Squad
🙏 PRAYERS FOR TWO FAMILIES
While much of the attention has focused on the family that lost its home, community leaders are also asking residents to remember the family of the pilot.
“We also ask that you keep the family and loved ones of the pilot in your prayers,” Notre Dame Schools said. “While this tragedy has deeply impacted the McKenzie family, it also claimed a life, and we pray for comfort, peace, and strength for all who are grieving this heartbreaking loss.”
“WE ARE SCIOTO COUNTY”
As federal investigators continue working to determine what caused the crash, one thing has already become clear.
The story is no longer just about an airplane that fell from the sky.
It’s about a family that lost everything, first responders who ran toward danger, and a community that immediately came together to help.
As Sheriff Thoroughman put it:
“We are Scioto County—stronger together, even in the most challenging times.”
