Rockford man among victims in Virgin Islands crash
From Staff ReportsOriginally published: November 05. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: November 04. 2009 11:19PM
U.S. Virgin Islands police have identified the people killed in a small plane crash last week as a man from Rockford and two residents of the Caribbean territory.
Authorities said Tuesday that 50-year-old Master Sgt. Mark Atchley of Rockford was identified from steel pins used during surgery on a knee. According to his mother, Jane Atchley, Mark has been living in Ocean Springs, Miss., for the past five years.
Police spokeswoman Melody Rames said jewelry helped identify the other victims as Elium King of St. Vincent and David Bentley of St. Croix. Both were 58.
The single-engine Cessna 177 was en route to St. Thomas when it crashed Thursday into a field and burst into flames. Federal officials said the pilot reported problems after takeoff and tried to return to the airport.
Atchley was a 28-year veteran of the Tennessee Air National Guard and currently served with the 228th Combat Communication Squadron (TAC).
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, Maryville, with a celebration of life to follow at 3:30 p.m.
Foothills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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