AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The community is mourning a pilot who died Thursday morning in an Augusta plane crash – a man many are calling a hero for saving lives on the ground.

Scott McKenzie, associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University, was the only person killed when the single-engine Beechcraft 36 crashed at Hillcrest Avenue and Belmont Drive just after 7:13 a.m. Thursday.

First responders credit McKenzie’s piloting for avoiding further deaths and injuries.

The plane, bound for New Haven, Conn., crashed in a densely populated residential neighborhood just after taking off from Daniel Field, just a couple of blocks away.

McKenzie joined Augusta University in 2020 and worked in philanthropy and alumni engagement, where he was extensively involved in building relationships and working with donors who support athletics programs.

“His passion for the university and our athletics programs was unsurpassed. We are keeping Jason’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers,” AU said in a statement.

A former resident of Baton Rouge, he was on the golf team at Mississippi State University.

McKenzie worked in the broadcasting field for many years in Baton Rouge including at WAFB-TV and Guaranty Broadcasting.

But Augusta was his hometown, so he moved back here four years ago.

McKenzie was a close friend of Augusta Commission member Sean Frantom, who appeared shaken when he visited the crash site Thursday.

“He was one of kind. My friend for over 35 years,” Frantom posted on Facebook. “He loved the Lord and loved his family. He is one of the best family men I have ever seen.”

Frantom said he had the honor of being in his wedding in Baton Rouge with his bride Stephanie McKenzie.

“He loved her so much and was so excited to get married,” Frantom said, adding that McKenzie left this Earth too soon but doing what he loved.

“It will take a village to love and support your wife, son, and mom but we will be here for them,” Frantom wrote.

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MARTINEZ, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Christian baseball program has had a lot of success over the year, winning a total of six state championships.

On Wednesday, they’re celebrating another milestone.

Six seniors are putting pen to paper signing their letters of intent to play college ball.

This is the largest signing class their baseball program has ever had, and it’s headlined by Khaleel Pratt, who signed to play for the University of Kentucky.

“I couldn’t have done it without them, but especially my dad, I mean, he’s the one. He’s taught me how to play baseball since I was little. He’s been basically my only trainer that been consistently working with me. He’s done strength, done skill work, done everything with me and he’s been there. I know he’s not there as much as he wants to be right now, but he’s been there all my life, and I’m truly grateful,” said Pratt.

The defending state champions have home-field advantage in the state playoffs this year.

They’ll be back on the diamond Friday night for their second-round matchup against Pinewood.

AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN BASEBALL SIGNINGS 2024:

• Khaleel Pratt – University of Kentucky
• Luca Perriello – Virginia Tech University
• Wilson Donnelly – University of West Georgia
• Eric Doyon – Columbia International University
• Jonah Shipes – Gordon State College
• Santiago Pachecho – Southern Union State Community College

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta leaders are looking at the possibility of transforming the property where the old jail on Walton Way used to be.

A couple years ago, they decided to demolish it shortly after parts of it were featured in the movie ‘Suicide Squad.’

It’s still up in the air on what this land could be used for. City leaders gathered on Wednesday to discuss what would be best.

People who live in the community are hoping it’ll improve the area.

It’s the beginning of something new off Walton Way.

“There’s a lot of commercial land down here. People want to move down here but they ain’t got nothing to do. All the facilities have been torn down,” said James Williams, who lives nearby.

And some city leaders agree, hoping to come together on ideas for what would fit best.

Commissioner Jordan Johnson said: “We need more shops in this area. We need more restaurants for families to be able to go to. We need more places for kids to patronize. We need things for our youth to do in the city of Augusta. This is six acres of opportunity that we can tap into. So I’m confident that these conversations will lead us to that point.”

It’s an area where people who live in the community have wanted to see improvements over the last few years.

“A nice grocery store that’ll help the community real good. That’ll make the value of the homes come up to,” said Williams.

From grocery stores to retail and green space, people are just hoping their ideas will be heard.

Cal Wray, Augusta Economic Authority President, said: “You got a lot of city-owned property. You’ve got the highly trafficked Gordon highway. So obviously a catalyst project that improves the entire area around it. But something also the residents want. That’s a key piece. If we put something here the residents don’t want, that’s not a win.”

The project is still in its early stages, but community members say they’re excited to see something new.

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