Putnam Co. teacher and husband killed in plane crash

Published 12:08 pm Tuesday, February 18, 2025

COVINGTON, Ga. – A Newton County couple were killed after their single-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Covington Municipal Airport late Saturday, authorities say.

The victims were identified as James Hardee, 62, and his wife, Janet Hardee, 59, both of Covington.

Janet Hardee was a first-grade teacher at Putnam County Primary School in Eatonton.

Officials with the Putnam County Charter School System issued the following statements on their social media page related to the weekend tragedy.

“The Putnam County Charter School System community is mourning the loss of a primary school teacher, Mrs. Janet Hardee, and her husband due to a tragic accident that occurred over the holiday weekend. There are no words that can ease the sorrow and sadness we feel right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family.”

Administration officials said the school system is focused on providing support and resources as needed to help those needing it to cope with the tragedy.

“Additional counselors will be present at Putnam County Primary School to support our students, staff and families,” according to the post. “Please pray for their family during this very difficult time.”

Communication was lost on takeoff with the pilot of the single-engine Rockwell Commander, which is believed to have crashed at 11:40 p.m., authorities say. The pilot was the teacher’s husband and he and his wife were the only people onboard the aircraft.

The plane took off just after 11 p.m., according to a statement issued by the Covington Police Department.

“There was no further communication from the aircraft after takeoff,” police said. “Officers located the aircraft in the woods, just north of the runway.”

The couple was found in the wreckage and later pronounced deceased at the scene.

An investigation into what caused the plane to crash is now underway by officials with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).