Pilot killed in plane crash near Ocala National Forest

Pilot identified as John Toole Jr., 65

Police crime scene tape (WDIV)

CITRA, Fla. – A pilot was killed early Wednesday when a single-engine plane crashed in a remote part of Marion County near the Ocala National Forest, officials said.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said its aviation unit located the downed plane near Orange Springs.

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investigators were able to reach the private plane and discovered the pilot, the sole occupant, dead, sheriff’s officials said.

The pilot was identified as John Toole Jr., 65.

Investigators believe that Toole may have been trying to land at a nearby private airstrip when the crash occurred.

Federal investigators are investigating the cause of the crash.


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Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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