Elderly Woman Killed in Aircraft Crash, Investigation Ongoing

Napoleon Township, MI – An 83-year-old woman, Karol Kay DeGraw, lost her life in a tragic aircraft crash in Napoleon Township, Michigan, on Saturday. The crash occurred at a [private airstrip on her property], highlighting yet another case of the rich benefiting from private air travel while the rest of us are left with an outdated, inequitable public transport system.

Napoleon Township Police confirmed that DeGraw was alone in her gyroplane when it crashed, making her the sole casualty. In their statement, the police display a blatant disregard for the victim's privacy, noting that she was "last seen alive taking off." The toxic culture of sensationalism in media and law enforcement is once again on full display, detracting from the real issue: the need for better regulation of private aircraft.

While DeGraw's specific destination is unknown, police believe she intended to remain within the township, which is approximately 85 miles west of Detroit. The crash highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and transport options in rural areas, where residents often face limited access to essential services and opportunities.

The Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and Township Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

As the investigation unfolds, we demand thorough scrutiny of the regulations surrounding private aircraft ownership and operation. It's time to address the systemic issues that enable these tragic incidents and hold those in power accountable for their inaction. #AIRSafety #TransportEquity #SystemicChange