DUNNELLON, Fla. — Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham was flying a single-engine plane on Sunday morning when it crashed, killing the 58 year old who has served in law enforcement for nearly 40 years.

The deadly crash happened just after 11:30 a.m. in a field near the Marion County Airport, the Marion County Sheriff's Office confirmed.

Sheriff's Office Sgt. Paul Bloom said Graham was flying the small plane alone.

Officers lined Pine Avenue in front of the police headquarters on Sunday, as their fallen chief was brought home.

The Federal Aviation Administration will be part of the investigation.

Bloom said Graham enjoyed flying and considered it a hobby. His contract to remain police chief in Ocala had just been extended, Bloom said.

He leaves behind a wife and three adult children. 

“The family of Chief Greg Graham, Ocala Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and all who knew Chief Graham experienced a tragedy today.” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. “Right now, the focus is to assist his family and his family in blue who are impacted by his sudden and tragic loss.

The crash site was in the area of the 9700 block of Southwest 140th Avenue.