Indiana Pastor Leon Hatchett Dies Following Aircraft Collision

Leon Hatchett, the longtime pastor of Wayside Chapel Church in Warrick County, Indiana, has died at age 88 following a vehicle accident. On October 18, a small plane struck the car in which Hatchett was a passenger near the Boonville Airport. While Boonville police reported the collision occurred as the plane was taking off, a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board suggests the incident took place during an attempted go-around. The pilot was uninjured, but Hatchett succumbed to his injuries four days later at Deaconess Midtown Hospital.

Hatchett served the congregation for over 40 years and was remembered by Associate Pastor Jacob Conner as a faithful mentor who remained active in the community throughout his life. Before his ministry, Hatchett operated several local businesses, which helped him maintain daily connections with area residents. Church leadership expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that the congregation is currently processing the tragedy while relying on their faith. Funeral arrangements are being managed by Titzer Family Funeral Homes as the investigation into the crash continues.