James Hardee, Janet Hardee Obituary, Death – A tragic plane crash in Georgia claimed the lives of a husband and wife shortly after takeoff, authorities reported.
James Hardee, 62, and his wife, 59-year-old Janet Hardee, were the only passengers aboard their single-engine Rockwell Commander when it crashed near Covington Municipal Airport late Saturday night. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control just minutes after departing around 11 p.m., and by 11:40 p.m., it had gone down in a wooded area north of the runway.
Police responded to the crash and confirmed that both occupants had died at the scene. The Newton County Coroner later identified the victims as the Hardees.
Janet Hardee was a beloved first-grade teacher at Putnam County Primary School. Her school district issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss, emphasizing the deep sorrow felt by the community.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash.
