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One Dead in Dale County Semi-Truck Crash

A Thursday morning crash involving a semi-truck on Highway 231 in Dale County has claimed the life of a Florida man, according to local authorities.

Dale County Coroner John Cawley identified the victim as 58-year-old Evelio DeJesus of Sebastian, Florida. Officials say DeJesus was driving an 18-wheeler when the vehicle ran off the roadway and crashed into a treeline near the 48-mile marker at approximately 6:00 a.m.

Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene. Both northbound lanes of Highway 231 were shut down for several hours as first responders worked to secure the area and remove the heavily damaged truck from the treeline. Traffic in the area was significantly impacted during the cleanup effort.

The Dothan Fire Department was dispatched for mutual aid at around 6:13 a.m., according to Fire Chief David Hasty. Firefighters from both the Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department and the Dothan Fire Department assisted at the scene. Crews worked to assess the vehicle and determine whether it was transporting hazardous materials. Authorities later confirmed that the truck was not carrying any hazardous substances.

DeJesus was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body has been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation as authorities continue working to determine what caused the truck to leave the roadway.

Paul Weekes, Toronto Basketball Coach, Remembered for Lasting Community Impact

The Toronto basketball community is mourning the loss of longtime coach and mentor Paul Weekes, whose death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former players, colleagues, and friends.

Weekes was widely respected for his dedication to youth development and his commitment to teaching life lessons through sport. Over the years, he coached and mentored countless young athletes, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and character both on and off the court.

Former players describe him as patient, encouraging, and deeply invested in their success — not just as athletes, but as individuals. Many credit him with shaping their confidence, leadership skills, and love for the game.

Beyond basketball, Weekes was known for his kindness and strong community presence. Friends remember his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and ability to bring people together. His impact extended far beyond the gymnasium, building lasting relationships across Toronto’s sports community.

Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced by his family, who have requested privacy as they grieve.

Paul Weekes is remembered as a mentor, a friend, and a positive influence whose legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.

Tragic Plane Crash in East Texas Claims Lives of Aviation Experts Ron and Barbara Timmermans

Authorities have identified Ron and Barbara Timmermans as the two people killed in a plane crash Wednesday evening near Murchison.

Officials said the crash occurred around 5:13 p.m. The couple owned and operated AileRon T LLC, an aviation company based in Orlando, Florida. Both were experienced pilots and well-known within the aviation community. A dog that was onboard the aircraft survived the crash.

According to authorities, the aircraft — a 1994 Beech A36 single-engine plane — declared an emergency during the flight after oil reportedly covered the windshield. The plane attempted to divert but struck power lines and crashed short of the runway in the Brownsboro area.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. An investigator is expected to document the scene and examine the aircraft before it is recovered for further evaluation.

Ron Timmermans had decades of aviation experience and was active in flight instruction. Since 2017, he served as a volunteer host with the Florida Aviation Network, interviewing aviation professionals at major industry events. He was named National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year in 2021 and logged more than 4,000 hours of dual instruction across Florida and North Texas.

He also participated in the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program and the Bonanza Pilot Training Program, and previously credited his wife, Barbara, with inspiring him to become a flight instructor.

Family members have been notified. The couple is remembered for their dedication to aviation, mentorship within the pilot community, and passion for flight.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Missing Tandragee Man Gareth Johnston Found Dead After Search

A missing Tandragee man who failed to return home after traveling to Dublin for work has been found dead, his family has confirmed.

Thirty-three-year-old Gareth Johnston, also known as Gareth James, was last seen in the Portadown area on Sunday, February 8, at approximately 10 a.m., according to police.

Family members said Gareth left his home that morning telling them he was heading to Dublin for work and would return Tuesday afternoon. When he did not come home and could not be contacted, his loved ones raised the alarm and issued an emotional public appeal for information.

His sister, Nicola, described his disappearance as “completely out of character” and said the family was “extremely worried.”

Police described Gareth as 5 feet 8 inches tall, of stocky build and bald. He was last seen wearing a blue coat, blue jeans, brown boots, and a grey flat cap, and carrying a large black Adidas holdall.

In an update shared with the community, the family confirmed Gareth had been found deceased.

“It is with a broken heart I must report that Gareth has been found dead,” a family statement read. “Initial facts indicate a possible seizure. He apparently looked at peace.”

The family thanked members of the public for their assistance in the search and said funeral details will be announced in the coming days.

Police have not released additional details at this time.

Durham Man Killed, Teenage Boy Injured in Separate Wednesday Night Shootings

A 47-year-old man was killed and a 13-year-old boy was injured in two separate shootings Wednesday night, according to the Durham Police Department.

The first shooting occurred around 9:14 p.m. in the 1100 block of Rosedale Avenue. Police said a 13-year-old boy was walking near the roadway when a vehicle drove by and someone inside fired gunshots in his direction. The juvenile was struck and sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Approximately two hours later, at 11:57 p.m., officers responded to a second shooting in the 200 block of East Umstead Street. Upon arrival, they found a man lying on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim was identified as 47-year-old Tavarus Joyner. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made in either case.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Cpl. L. Sprinkle at 919-560-4440 ext. 29248 or submit tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200. CrimeStoppers offers rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to arrests in felony cases.

Both shootings remain under investigation.