WASHINGTON D.C. (WITN) - Congressman Greg Murphy is taking steps to honor some of the victims of a heart-wrenching plane crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals in Carteret County in February 2022. The Republican representative from Greenville introduced the Down East Remembrance Act, a legislation designed to memorialize the lives lost during this tragic incident.
On February 13, 2022, the crash occurred while four students from East Carteret High School, along with four adults, were returning from a duck hunting trip in Hyde County. Their plane tragically went down in the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in great sorrow for the local community.
The Down East Remembrance Act specifies the exact coordinates of six creeks' locations, renaming them in honor of six victims: Noah Styron, age 15; Hunter Parks, age 45; Kole McInnis, age 15; Stephanie Fulcher, age 42; Jacob Taylor, age 16; and Daily Shepherd, age 15. This renaming is a poignant gesture to keep their memories alive and recognized in the region.
"We remember and honor the six victims of the devastating plane crash in Carteret County on February 13th, 2022," Murphy stated in a press release. He continued, "Eastern North Carolina continues to mourn the loss of these individuals. Through this legislation, we memorialize their lives and legacies, and may God grant peace to their families." This declaration underscores the significant emotional impact the crash had on the local community and the broader fabric of Eastern North Carolina.
Notably, the act does not extend to include the pilot of the plane, "Teen" Rawls, or his son, Jeffrey, both from Greenville, who were also aboard the ill-fated flight.
The close-knit community of Carteret County remains in mourning, with the legislator’s act serving as a reminder of the lives cut short and the families forever altered by the tragedy. Community members hope that initiatives like this will provide some comfort through remembrance, as it emphasizes the importance of community support in times of profound loss.
Residents and local leaders are expressing their gratitude to Congressman Murphy for his commitment to honor the victims and provide them with a lasting legacy. The emotional toll of the crash is still fresh for many, and such gestures serve to remind everyone of the importance of cherishing their loved ones.
As Congress reviews the Down East Remembrance Act, many await the final decision, hopeful for passage. It reflects a collective desire to ensure that those who were lost are not forgotten, as well as a commitment to preserving their memory for future generations.
This act carries implications beyond honoring individuals; it’s also about bringing a community together in unity, healing, and remembrance. As the legislation progresses, it could pave the way for more such acts that recognize and honor the lives that have been cut short in tragic circumstances.
Ultimately, the Down East Remembrance Act is a powerful reminder that even amidst tragedy, we can choose to remember and honor those who have left us too soon.
