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Defense Department Confirms Senator's Son Killed In Plane Crash

In a statement released by the Department of Defense Monday night, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel confirmed that Sen. Jim Inhofe's son, 52-year-old Perry Inhofe, was killed in a weekend plane crash.

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Senator Jim Inhofe's son Perry was killed in a plane crash this weekend. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Kay and their family as they mourn this terrible loss. The entire DoD community stands with the Inhofe's at this tragic time, with enduring appreciation for all they do on behalf of our military."

Perry Inhofe was an orthopedic surgeon for Central States Orthopedics in Tulsa, reports the Associated Press.

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According to the FAA, the small aircraft departed Salina, Kan. Sunday en route to Tulsa and was about 5 miles north of Tulsa International Airport when it crashed shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday.

According to Oklahoma's KJRH News, the plane reported mechanical problems before the crash.

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