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Sen. Inhofe's Son Reportedly Killed In Plane Crash

A son of Oklahoma Sen. James Inhofe was apparently killed this weekend in the crash of a small plane, according to a statement released Monday night by the Department of Defense.

In the statement, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says:

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Senator Jim Inhofe's son Perry was killed in a plane crash this weekend. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Kay and their family as they mourn this terrible loss. The entire DoD community stands with the Inhofe's at this tragic time, with enduring appreciation for all they do on behalf of our military."

Perry Inhofe, 52, was an orthopedic surgeon for Central States Orthopedics in Tulsa, reports The Associated Press.

According to the FAA, the small aircraft departed Salina, Kan., on Sunday en route to Tulsa and was about 5 miles north of Tulsa International Airport when it crashed shortly before 4 p.m.

Oklahoma's KJRH News says the plane reported mechanical problems before the crash.

Sen. Inhofe, a Republican, is the ranking minority member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.