Editor's Note: The Ocean City Police Department confirmed today that it lost two members of its department in this airplane crash via a Facebook post. Here is that post:
"It is with great sadness that the Ocean City Police Department confirms that two of our police officers were the victims in yesterday’s plane crash in Ocean City. Both officers were very dedicated and courageous, on and off duty. Their love of life was clearly demonstrated in their professional and personal pursuits. They exemplified the finest character and their passing is a tremendous loss to the Ocean City Police Department family. As we deal with this difficult time, we ask that you respect the privacy of their families and peers. Maryland State Police and Federal Aviation Authorities continue to handle the investigation. When the time is appropriate, we will release more information about our officers and their distinguished service to the community."
OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) — Two people who died in a weekend plane crash off Ocean City were identified Monday as off-duty police officers.
Maryland State Police identified the men as 27-year-old Joshua D. Adickes of Berlin and 43-year-old Thomas J. Geoghegan Jr. of Ocean City. Both men were officers with the Ocean City Police Department.
Troopers say the plane took off from the Ocean City Municipal Airport between 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Sunday. The destination is not known.
Investigators believe Geoghegan, who owned the single-engine Nanchang CJ-6A, was piloting it and Adickes, the lone passenger, was seated behind him.
Mayor Rick Meehan says witnesses told police that the aircraft spun out of control Sunday before crashing.
The bodies of the two men were recovered Monday. The wreckage of the plane was about one quarter of a mile off the beach from 130th Street in 30 feet of water. Divers had to work in zero visibility and rough waters.
Divers suspended operations Monday afternoon because of dangerous conditions.
The Ocean City police department issued a statement Monday afternoon calling the men dedicated and courageous.
The department said Geoghegan has been a seasonal officer since 1991 and has served each summer since 2002. He was most recently assigned to the patrol division and enjoyed taking friends for airplane rides.
Police say Adickes joined the department as a seasonal officer in 2011 and was hired full time last year. He was assigned to the patrol division and loved the beach.
The bodies were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsies. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
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OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) — Authorities have recovered two bodies from a small plane that crashed into the ocean off Ocean City.
The Maryland State Police says divers removed the bodies from the wreckage Monday.
Troopers say the wreckage is in about 30 feet of water. Authorities have not identified the victims and suspended dive operations Monday afternoon as a result of dangerous conditions caused by a storm front in the area.
Mayor Rick Meehan says witnesses told police that the aircraft spun out of control Sunday before crashing.
The U.S. Coast Guard says the single-engine CJ-6A took off from Ocean City Municipal Airport.
