Family, friends, and members of the Delaware community are mourning the tragic loss of 76-year-old Kurt W. Paulus, who died following a fatal plane crash on Thursday, June 11, 2026, near the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport in Scioto County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the crash occurred at approximately 10:46 a.m. after the aircraft had just departed from the airport. Investigators said Paulus was piloting a 2006 Cirrus SR-20 single-engine plane when it went down during its initial climb shortly after takeoff.
Authorities reported that the aircraft crashed into a residence on the south side of Bennett School House Road. Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, but Paulus was pronounced dead as a result of the crash.
Two people were inside the home at the time of the impact but were not injured. Following the crash, the residence caught fire and sustained total damage, prompting a large emergency response from multiple agencies.
The sudden loss of Kurt W. Paulus has left family, friends, and community members in deep sorrow. At 76 years old, he is being remembered by loved ones as a man whose life experience, presence, and connections left a lasting impact on those around him. His passing has brought heartbreak to all who knew him.
As news of the tragedy spread, many in the community expressed condolences and support for his family during this difficult time. The unexpected nature of the crash has left loved ones searching for comfort as they process the sudden loss.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials have not yet determined the cause.
As investigators work to understand what happened, those closest to Paulus are focusing on remembering his life rather than the tragedy of his passing. His memory will live on through the people who knew him and the moments they shared.
May Kurt W. Paulus rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones find strength, comfort, and healing in the days ahead.
