James Edney, MD, former division chief of surgical oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, died in a small plane crash in Minnesota Aug. 7, the StarTribune reports. He was 72.
Dr. Edney, who was professor emeritus in the university's surgery department, was flying the plane. His stepson, Jacob Mertes, and Sarah Mertes, his wife, also died in the crash.
The plane crashed into a vacant lot in Victoria, Minn., and then struck a home. The cause of the accident is unknown and no other bystanders were injured.
"Dr. Edney was a consummate clinician and educator, recognized as one of the top breast cancer specialists in the region," said Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine.
"The UNMC community mourns the loss of Dr. Edney, a respected and caring physician, and educator," said Jeffrey Gold, MD, UNMC chancellor. "He was recognized by both his students, colleagues and his patients for his caring and commitment. We send our condolences to the Edney family, as well as our gratitude for the lives he touched and the people he helped at the university and throughout the community and region."
Dr. Edney earned his medical degree from UNMC in 1975. He completed a general surgery residency there, as well as a fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Colorado in Denver.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, with a full report expected in 12 to 18 months.