Liberty alumna killed in Arizona plane crash

Liberty University is mourning the loss of alumna Krista (Evers) Buchanan (’16), 22, of Phoenix, Ariz., who was killed in a plane crash on Monday evening in Mesa, Ariz., according to news reports.

In a story from CBS 5 in Mesa, the pilot, 55-year-old Alan Ram, reported mechanical trouble and indicated that the plane was unable to reach the airport. The single-engine plane crashed onto the fairway of the 10th hole at Longbow Golf Club, killing Ram and Buchanan.

A Facebook post from the Liberty Champion described Buchanan as an outstanding Digital Media and Creative Arts student who was beloved by the Liberty community. She received the 2015-16 Outstanding Academic Achievement DMCA Award during the Spring 2016 semester. Buchanan also served on the executive team for Lambda Pi Eta. Buchanan was married last July.

“Krista was a beautiful soul with a bright future,” DMCA professor Amy Bonebright said. “While at Liberty, she served our digital media honor society faithfully, initiating and managing social media pages for the group. In the classroom, Krista was a diligent worker who pushed herself to growth. We take comfort in knowing she is with her Savior and send prayers on behalf of the Evers and Buchanan family.”