Plane Crash Under Investigation in Clay County

The Clay County Sheriff's Office is investigating a plane crash that occurred just north of the Midwest National Air Center near Mosby earlier Wednesday, August 27.

Clay County dispatchers received emergency calls reporting heavy smoke rising from a field near NE 140th Street and Rhodus Road shortly before noon. Witnesses suspected the smoke was the result of an aircraft accident.

Deputies arrived promptly at the scene and discovered a Cessna C340 fully engulfed in flames in a soybean field. The aircraft was found with at least two occupants inside, both of whom have been confirmed deceased. Initial details suggest the plane had been attempting to land at the Midwest National Air Center, and preliminary information indicates it may have originated from an airport outside the St. Louis metro area.

Investigators are currently working to identify the occupants of the plane. Once identification is complete, authorities will notify the next of kin before releasing the names to the public. Until then, the identities of those involved remain undisclosed.

As a result of the crash, air traffic at the Midwest National Air Center remains suspended until 5 p.m. on August 27 to allow investigators to safely work at the site. The Clay County Sheriff's Office has also notified the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, which will take over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Man's Body Recovered from Missouri River

Clay County Deputies are investigating after the body of a man was discovered in the Missouri River near 210 Highway and Edwards Road late Wednesday night.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 8:40 pm, when a couple fishing along the river spotted a body in the water and immediately called 911. Deputies responded to the scene and located the remains of a man on the north side of the river. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division assisted with the recovery operation.

Investigators have identified the deceased as 32-year-old Dusenge Y. Mukiza of Kansas City, Kansas. Authorities stated that the individual's next-of-kin were notified before his name was released to the public.

An autopsy has been conducted and revealed no indications of trauma or foul play. The investigation remains ongoing, but officials say there is no evidence at this time to suggest suspicious circumstances surrounding Mukiza's death.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Sheriff’s Office Launches Take Me Home Program

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a program for people with cognitive or communication disabilities who may need special assistance in times of emergency.

The Take Me Home Program, originally developed by the Pensacola, Fla., Police Department, gathers information that could be of assistance if a person is unable to speak or properly identify themselves, or if they become disoriented or act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders.

The program is entirely voluntary. Loved ones of Clay County residents with cognitive or communication disabilities can sign them up online by submitting identifying information – including a photo – condition or illness, and care-giver contacts.

This information is available in a database that can only be accessed by law enforcement agencies in Clay County. Deputies or officers can query the database or see nearby program participants on a map.

Take Me Home was originally designed for those with conditions that can involve elopement, like dementia or autism. But it can also serve as a way to notify law enforcement of sensory or communication issues should an individual with those conditions come into contact with police.

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Receives Blue Shield Designation

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has officially received the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.

Sheriff Will Akin

“I’m very pleased Governor Mike Kehoe is recognizing communities that support law enforcement, as well as law enforcement agencies that, in turn, go above and beyond to serve their communities,” Sheriff Will Akin said. “That’s happening in Clay County, and the Blue Shield designation confirms that. This is a testament both to the diligent work of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, and the investment and support we have received in recent years from the Clay County Commission. I’m excited about what this designation means for our future.”

The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety. Each participating community’s commitment will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.

Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2026.

“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow,” Governor Kehoe said. “We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures. A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.”

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.