Lewis County native killed in plane crash

A Lewis County native, Capt. Jessica Naomi Wright, lost her life in a plane crash on September 8, 2020 in McMinnville.

Capt. Wright was one of three Tennessee Air National Guardsmen killed in the crash near the Warren County Memorial Airport on Tuesday afternoon following lift-off in a Piper PA28.

A witness reported seeing the airplane attempt to return to the airport when the crash occurred.

Lt. Col. Shelli Huether, director of operations for the 118th Intelligence Support Squadron; Capt. Wright, assistant director of operations for the 118th ISS; and Senior Master Sgt. Scott Bumpus, chief of current operations for the 236th Intelligence Squadron, were assigned to the Tennessee Air National Guard's 118th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnassiance Group.

"Words cannot begin to explain the shock, grief, pain and dismay we feel having lost three remarkable members of our Guard family," said Col. Todd Wiles, commander of the 118th Wing. "All three were dedicated to the service of our nation. Their families are in our hearts and our prayers."

Capt. Wright, a 2001 graduate of Lewis County High School, began her military career following graduation. She was selected as "Airman of the Year" in 2010.

Jessica achieved many successes in her young life, but considered her role as a mother to be her most important.

A complete obituary for Capt. Wright can be found on page A-2 of this edition.