Beverly Man Killed in Fiery Plane Crash

A local man was among the three casualties of a fiery single-engine plane crash in Owl's Head, Maine Friday night.

David Cheney, 22, a University of Maine student, was reportedly alongside another student and an alumnus, who were also killed, when their plane crashed into the woods, WCVB reported.

Knox County Chief Deputy Sheriff Tim Carroll told WCVB the Cessna 172 was heading north on the Knox County Regional Airport runway early Friday night when it struck a truck on the airport grounds.

The plane continued to climb and as it turned to the east, it dived about 200 to 300 yards into the thick woods and immediately burst into flames, the sheriff's office said.

Also killed in the crash were Marcelo Rugini, an exchange student from Brazil; and William "B.J." Hannigan III, 24, of South Portland, according to WCVB.

"UMaine's Greek and international student communities are mourning the loss of three of their own, but they are not alone in their grief," said Robert Dana, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the college. "Losing these three young men -- David, Marcelo and B.J. -- is a loss for the entire UMaine community and the many people -- including faculty and staff -- whose lives they touched. They brought great light and energy to our campus, and we will miss them."

Beverly Patch will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.