The family of two people who were killed in a plane crash in Oconee County Wednesday afternoon has released a statement confirming their deaths.
The statement, which was shared by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Friday, said Robert and Sandra Denton were the victims in the crash. The couple was from Michigan but also lived in The Villages, Florida.
The single-engine Cessna 177B aircraft was attempting to fly from Leesburg, Florida to the Barrow County Airport in Winder when it crashed in the area of Government Station Road in Watkinsville around 2:30 p.m. according to the sheriff’s office.
“While taken from us far too soon, we find comfort knowing they were together and doing what they loved, flying,” Friday’s release from the Denton family said. “Robert and Sandra lived life to the fullest and were two of the most thoughtful and loving people you could know.”
Robert Denton was 76 years old and Sandra Denton was 75. The statement said no additional details about the crash have been released as the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are still investigating.
“We are sincerely grateful for the outpouring of support shown to our family from Robert and Sandra’s many friends and neighbors,” the statement said. “We also wish to extend our gratitude to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office and first responders who were at the crash scene, as well as the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan for their assistance.”
“We ask that you please respect our family's privacy during this difficult time."