BLAIRSVILLE — The Union County Fire Department in northeast Georgia said that the pilot who was killed in a plane crash Thursday in Pickens County was a volunteer firefighter who had serve with the department for more than a year and a half.
Michael Joseph Hughes' photo was posted on the fire department's Facebook page.
"Hughes was a member of UCFD Station 10. He has been with Union County Fire Dept since February of 2014. We would like to send our condolences to the family during this difficult and tragic time. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers," read the post.
Hughes, who apparently went by Joseph or "Joe," was killed Thursday evening around 6:30 p.m. as he was practicing touch and go maneuvers at the airport near Jasper. The deadly flight apparently was the third he had flown solo.
The NTSB and the FAA are investigating the crash.
Funeral services for the 21-year-old Hughes are pending.
