Alexander Leamon Obituary, Death – The pilot who lost his life in a plane crash Tuesday morning in Mt. Morris has been identified as 23-year-old Alexander Leamon of Lena, according to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. Leamon was flying a Cessna T188c, a single-engine agricultural aircraft commonly used for crop dusting. He was the only person on board when the plane went down around 9:30 a.m. on July 22 in the 2800 block of West Illinois Route 64.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, where they found the aircraft fully engulfed in flames. Despite efforts from first responders, Leamon was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash resulted in the temporary closure of Illinois Route 64 for several hours as investigators and cleanup crews worked on-site. In addition to the impact on traffic, the crash caused damage to multiple power lines. Crews from ComEd were called in to repair the electrical infrastructure in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an official investigation into the cause of the crash. The NTSB typically leads investigations into civil aviation accidents, with the FAA assisting in regulatory matters and aircraft certification.
As part of its procedures, the NTSB will work closely with Leamon’s family, keeping them updated on the progress of the investigation and offering support as they cope with the aftermath of the tragic event.
At this time, officials have not released any preliminary findings regarding the cause of the crash, and it remains unclear whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or pilot error may have played a role. The NTSB’s investigation will likely include an examination of the aircraft’s maintenance records, the pilot’s flight history and certifications, and any available witness statements or surveillance footage.
Leamon’s death marks a significant loss for the local aviation and agricultural communities. Crop dusting, while an essential part of farming operations, involves flying at low altitudes and navigating challenging terrain, which can increase the risk of accidents.
The incident has drawn attention from local residents and aviation professionals alike, with many expressing condolences to the young pilot’s family and friends. While the final report from the investigation may take months to complete, authorities remain committed to determining exactly what happened and taking any necessary steps to prevent future accidents.
In the meantime, the community of Lena is mourning the loss of a 23-year-old whose life was cut tragically short while carrying out work in support of local agriculture. Memorial plans have not yet been made public, but tributes are already pouring in as those who knew Alexander Leamon remember him for his dedication and passion for flying.
