PARADISE, Texas – A tragic plane crash near Poolville claimed the lives of Dr. Heath Smith, 40, and his two young sons, Noah, 6, and Wyatt, 8, as they were returning from a hunting trip. The family was flying back home to Paradise when the accident occurred. Now, funeral services for the beloved physician and his two sons are expected to be scheduled for the middle of next week in Decatur.

Dr. Smith, a general surgeon specializing in bariatrics, was well-known and respected in Wise County and the surrounding areas, where he served his patients through ‘My Bariatric Solutions’ and often appeared as a guest on ‘Good Morning Texas’ to promote his practice. Born and raised in Paradise, Dr. Smith had dedicated himself to serving the community, even serving as a school board member for Paradise ISD.

The tragic accident has left the community in mourning, as tributes for the Smith family pour in from all over Wise County. The pain is particularly profound for Dr. Smith’s wife and older son, who did not accompany him on the hunting trip due to prior commitments.

The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash, with speculation that weather conditions, specifically freezing temperatures in North Texas, may have played a role. Dr. Smith’s twin-engine Cessna plane may have iced up, leading to an emergency landing.

As the investigation continues, the family plans to have a joint funeral for Dr. Smith, Noah, and Wyatt. Instead of flowers, they will be asking for monetary donations to be put towards a scholarship in the names of the deceased. The loss of Dr. Smith and his two sons has left a void not only in their home but in the hearts of the entire community.