Ocala police chief killed in plane crash

Ocala, Fl (treasurecoast.com)- Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham was killed Sunday in a plane crash in Marion County.

The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. in the area of Southwest 140th Ave in Marion County, not far from the airport in Dunnellon.

Officials with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Graham was piloting the plane when it crashed, and was the only person on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration will be conducting an investigation into the crash.

Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn said Graham was “fascinated” with flying and recently received his pilot’s license.

The department released a statement about his death on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we grieve our leader, Chief Greg Graham. Chief Graham was a mentor to many and inspirational to all. We have had the great privilege to have called him a friend, a boss, and a part of our family for well over thirty years. He was the heart of the Department. His heart beat for Ocala, for his community, for his department, and especially for his family.

We will miss his passion for community and law enforcement; his candor and personality; his strong leadership; and most definitely his smile. The coming days and weeks will be tough for the Department, but please also keep the Graham family in your thoughts and prayers. To Amy and the kids- Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort during this time. We are here for you always,” the statement said.