FOSTORIA, Ohio — An Avon man and his co-pilot died Tuesday night after a plane crash in Ohio.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol says the plane crashed in a wooded area just before 11 p.m.
Shane Alan Halbrook, 59, of Avon and co-pilot Michael D. Wright, 51, of Casey Illinois, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The Indiana Air National Guard says both men were former Guard members. They released the following statement.
"With heavy hearts, we have learned of the passing of two former Indiana Air National Guard members. Retired. Col. Shane A. Halbrook and Maj. Michael D. Wright were lost in a single-engine aircraft incident late last evening in Seneca County, Ohio.
Col. Halbrook’s last assignment was the director of joint staff for the Indiana Air National Guard.
Maj. Wright was a member of the 181st Communication Flight, 181st Intelligence Wing, Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Indiana, prior to transferring to the Air Force Reserve at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.
Please join us in a moment of silent reflection, prayer, and thoughts for their families as they deal with this devastating loss."
The Associated Press reports the single-engine plane was traveling from Illinois to Findlay, Ohio when the aircraft went down.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

NTSB is investigating the Feb. 22, crash of a Piper PA32-360 airplane near Fostoria, Ohio.
— NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) February 23, 2022
-
Faith leaders condemn Lt. Gov. Beckwith for Three-Fifths Compromise comment
The Three-Fifths Compromise counted Black people as three-fifths of a human being during slavery. Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith described the law as a "great move" in a video this week.Porch Party welcomes fans, encourages folks to decorate ahead of the Indy 500
The green flag is flying, welcoming Indy car drivers and race fans from across the country to the town of Speedway and central Indiana.Congressman Carson holds community forum answering some questions from Hoosiers
Carson explained the change in format, revealing he has received three or four death threats in the past few weeks, citing the term "town hall" as a potential trigger for hostile reactions.Bloomington South all girl team wins National STEM competition
Bloomington South High School was named one of the three winners of the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, securing a prize package valued at $100,000.