Victim Identified in Virginia Plane Crash

Virginia State Police has identified the victim in a plane crash at Shannon Airport on Monday evening. It also gave the first indication that the incident may be related to a suicide call on 9-1-1 that first brought Spotsylvania County Sheriff's deputies to the scene. 

Edwin G. Hassel, 22, of Fredericksburg died in the crash, according to Sgt. F. L. Tyler of the Virginia State Police. The pilot was the only person in the single-engine Cessna 172, Tyler said.

"Virginia State Police are looking into whether or not this was a suicide," Sgt. F. L. Tyler said.

The Free Lance-Star reported Monday night that the plane crashed shortly after the 9-1-1 call. Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Capt. Jeff Pearce told the paper deputies arrived moments before the plane took off and that it made a few passes, went straight up and straight down. Read more of the Free Lance-Star report.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified in the investigation.

Suicide Resources — If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK to speak to someone immediately through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Learn about suicide risk factors, warning signs and how to help someone who is in crisis.

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