The Marshall County community is grieving the loss of two individuals killed in a small plane crash on Sunday evening near Holly Springs. The victims were identified by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office Monday morning as Wesley Bolden, 29, of Marshall County, and Jordan Hall, 17, of Olive Branch.

The plane went down around 5 p.m. in a wooded area east of the Holly Springs–Marshall County Airport, located at 171 A.Q. Greer Road. According to Sheriff Kenny Dickerson, the aircraft appeared to strike a large pine tree and was destroyed, with fire reported at the scene when first responders arrived.

Bolden, a certified flight instructor and 2017 graduate of Marshall Academy, owned and operated Firecrest Aviation, a flight school he opened in August at the Holly Springs–Marshall County Airport. He is remembered as a dedicated professional and community member. Bolden is survived by his fiancée and their 1-year-old daughter. Sheriff Dickerson noted that his family is well-known and highly respected in the county, calling the loss a profound tragedy for the entire community.

Hall, a 17-year-old student from Olive Branch, was also on board and died in the crash. Reports indicate he had previously played football at Marshall Academy, where he was known as a promising athlete and valued member of the school community.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is scheduled to begin an investigation at the crash site to determine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the plane was attempting to land at the airport when the crash occurred. The Holly Springs–Marshall County Airport does not have a control tower; flight coordination is reportedly handled through Memphis air traffic control. The airport’s main runway is approximately 3,200 feet long.

The small plane crash has left local residents, friends, and family members mourning the sudden and tragic loss of two lives. Funeral arrangements for Bolden and Hall have not yet been announced.