The quiet skies over Wise County, Texas, were shattered on a tragic Sunday as Dr. Heath Smith’s twin-engine Cessna plane met an untimely end. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is diligently investigating the crash, but it may be weeks or even months before a definitive cause is released. While the investigation unfolds, the brother of the late Dr. Smith, Landon Smith, is haunted by the possibility that weather conditions played a role, causing the aircraft to ice up, ultimately leading to an emergency landing.
“Heath was such a great pilot. He’s had his license since high school, and he consistently flew for two decades. I knew if there was an emergency, he could land that plane anywhere. I was never worried about it,” Landon Smith lamented, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of his brother.
Tributes to Dr. Heath Smith have been pouring in from every corner of Wise County, where he was born and raised alongside his brothers Landon and Chance. After completing his education at Texas A&M University and medical school, he returned to his roots, dedicating himself to serving Wise County and the surrounding areas as a general surgeon with a focus on bariatrics.
Dr. Smith touched the lives of many through ‘My Bariatric Solutions’ and was a familiar face on ‘Good Morning Texas,’ where he promoted his practice and shared insights on health.
Dr. Smith’s impact extended beyond the operating room; he was starting his seventh year as a school board member for Paradise ISD. A dedicated member of the community, he served alongside his brother Landon, who is also a school board member, for four years. The loss of Dr. Smith leaves a void that will be deeply felt during family events and school board meetings, where his absence will be a painful reminder of the tragedy.
“I’m not ready for the new normal. It’s going to be difficult—just our family events, going back to school board meetings, and him not being there. There will be some tough days ahead for all of us,” shared Landon Smith, grappling with the emotional aftermath of the incident.
The heart-wrenching news reached Dr. Smith’s family through an SOS message from his phone, indicating that he had been in an accident or crash. As the family rushed to the location, their worst fears were confirmed by first responders and emergency officials.
