Local News
Victims killed in Ferrisburgh plane crash identified
A tragic plane crash in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, claimed the lives of a teenager and three adults on Sunday. The four-seat, single-engine Piper aircraft departed Windham Airport in Connecticut at approximately 8:30 AM, embarking on a two-hour flight to Basin Harbor Airport.
The plane successfully landed, and the occupants arrived for a brunch reservation at Basin Harbor. After departing the restaurant shortly after noon, the plane was expected to return to Connecticut. However, when it failed to arrive as scheduled, relatives of the occupants contacted authorities.
Through the use of cellphone location data, police and the Federal Aviation Administration determined that the plane’s last known location was near the airstrip in Vermont.
Middletown police notified the Vermont State Police of the situation at around 10:20 PM on Sunday.
Troopers from the New Haven Barracks, along with members of the Middlebury Police Department and the Vergennes Fire Department, responded to the scene.
With the assistance of a drone operated by Middlebury police, investigators located the wreckage of the aircraft in a wooded area east of the Basin Harbor Airport at approximately 12:20 AM on Monday.
The four victims, identified as Paul Pelletier (55), Frank Rodriquez (88), Susan Van Ness (51), and Delilah Van Ness (15), were pronounced dead at the scene.
Their bodies were transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.
It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Deputy Sheriff Carl “Little Chief” Jensen, a deeply respected and dedicated member of the Little River County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Jensen was found deceased earlier this evening after he did not report for his scheduled shift.
Deputy Jensen was more than a colleague—he was a cherished brother in uniform, a trusted protector of the community, and a steadfast public servant whose presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Carl’s journey into law enforcement was driven by a passion to protect those who could not protect themselves.
After completing college, he began his career with Adult Protective Services, investigating allegations of abuse and exploitation in state hospitals, group homes, and home health care settings.
It was during one such case—uncovering the truth behind a complex exploitation investigation—that Carl realized his calling. “I got bit by the law enforcement bug that day,” he once said. “I wanted to help protect and bring justice to those who need it.”
Throughout his career, Deputy Jensen demonstrated extraordinary empathy, integrity, and resilience. He often reflected on the emotional weight of his work, especially when responding to calls on what could be the most difficult days in people’s lives.
“Sometimes, people don’t realize that we’re there to help everyone involved,” he shared. “Even on what could be their worst day, I can do my best to make it better—or at least keep them calm.” His compassion and humanity set an example for us all.
Our deepest condolences and unwavering support go out to Deputy Jensen’s family during this incredibly painful time.
We ask the community to join us in keeping his loved ones and our department in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Deputy Carl Jensen’s legacy of service, kindness, and courage will never be forgotten.
We are grateful for his life, his dedication, and the profound impact he had on those he served and served with.