It was 50 years ago today, that legendary singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter for Northwestern’s student newspaper, says there were details about the concert that stands out in his memory.
Croce was set to spend the night in Natchitoches but called the pilot to leave early for a performance at Austin College the next day. Croce mailed a letter to his wife before his death which later revealed he was missing his family and ready to go home. McDonald remembers Croce looking exhausted that evening.
Not long after takeoff, Croce’s plane crashed into a pecan tree at the end of the runway. It is believed that the haze severely reduced visibility that night. McDonald recalls seeing the carnage of the plane.
An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.