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🌱 Patch AM: Pilot In Deadly Westerly Plane Crash Identified

Be sure to catch Thirsty Thursdays at Deans Mill Farm w. James Harris on the Westerly Patch calendar

Thursday May 21st Patch AM

Good day Westerly! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Young pilot identified in fatal Westerly State Airport plane crash
  • How a $5.3M runway upgrade will change Westerly State Airport
  • How a chaotic Westerly riptide turned two teens into Red Cross heroes

Also on today's calendar: Thirsty Thursdays at Deans Mill Farm w. James Harris and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: Want to hear a joke about a broken pencil? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Cooler; a bit of morning rain, with a high of 62 and low of 45 degrees.
  • Friday: Periods of sun, temps: high: 64, low: 49.
  • Saturday: A couple of showers possible, with a high of 61 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Pilot In Deadly Westerly Plane Crash Identified (patch.com) — Westerly residents are learning more about the young pilot killed in Monday’s small-plane crash near Westerly State Airport, now identified as 21-year-old Charlestown resident Isaac Seekell. Authorities say he was the sole occupant of the Cessna that went down in a nearby field, and federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB are now handling the crash investigation while friends and former teammates remember his faith and passion for flying.    

2. Westerly Airport to get $5.3M for improvements (thewesterlysun.com) — Westerly State Airport is getting more than $5.3 million in federal funding to rebuild and extend the life of its main runway, improving safety and reliability for local travelers. The money comes from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, alongside additional grants for other Rhode Island airports, strengthening air service across the state.    

3. New Canaan brothers earn prestigious Red Cross award for heroic riptide rescues (fox61.com) — A dramatic 2024 riptide off Westerly’s East Beach led two visiting New Canaan teens to rescue 15–20 swimmers, including children, during hurricane conditions. They’ve now received a national Red Cross lifesaving award, and officials are using their story to remind anyone heading to Westerly’s shore to treat rip currents and rough surf with real caution.    

4. 3 beach towns all within 60 minutes of Boston just ranked among the ‘top 10 most underrated in America' (bostonuncovered.com) — Westerly just earned national attention as the 7th most underrated beach town in America, praised for its charm and easy train access from Boston. The ranking specifically spotlights Watch Hill and puts Westerly alongside other New England coastal favorites, reinforcing the town’s appeal to visitors and potential second-home owners while underscoring its growing profile beyond Rhode Island.    


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Anyone need plastic pots.
    I have a lot and they are free. Would rather give away then throw away. (Nextdoor Chin Hill)
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Westerly. Apply here.
  • Mondelez International posted a job opening for Part Time Nabisco Merchandiser in Westerly. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Westerly here.

Ok Westerly! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Nevermind, it has no point. (Thank you Kristi B. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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