A tragic plane crash near Howland Township, Ohio, on June 29, 2025, killed all six people onboard just minutes after takeoff from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. The Cessna 441 crashed less than seven minutes after takeoff, making a left turn before going down 1.2 miles from the airport.
The victims included James Weller Jr., his wife Veronica, their son John, and John’s wife Maria. Also lost were pilot Joseph Maxin and co-pilot Timothy Blake. “It’s a real tragedy, they’ve been great neighbors,” said Jackson Township Trustee Tom Frost about the Weller family.
The Wellers were well-known in the Mahoning Valley, with deep ties to Liberty Steel Industries and Sharon Speedway. “Jim won 36 times in the Big-Block Modified division… and was a 2-time track champion,” read a tribute from the Speedway. James Sr., who co-owned the track for over 20 years, passed away earlier.
Pilot Joseph Maxin, remembered as a respected instructor and former prosecutor, was praised for his “kindness, good nature and one-of-a-kind humorous personality,” said Prosecutor Lynn Maro.
The NTSB has launched an investigation into the crash. The community mourns the loss of these deeply rooted and beloved individuals.
