When Travis and Candace Buchanan launched Buchanan Farms and constructed its large produce stand and garden supply shop along Broadway Road in 2022, Candace wrote then that their dream was the result of Travis’ lifelong love of farming. “We hope this will be a place where the community will love to stop by and visit us and pick up some locally grown produce and supplies for your own gardens,” she posted that March on the new business’ Facebook page. “It’s super exciting to see this dream become a reality.”
Their dream did become a reality, and the Buchanans — in a short time — became a big part of the Broadway and Lee County farming communities. In May, cars packed the empty field across from the farm as hundreds enjoyed Buchanan’s third annual Strawberry Festival, and when heavy rains on June 7 derailed plans for the Farms’ third Summer Festival, the couple invited kids and adults to play in the mud (and get hosed off by the irrigation reel).
Buchanan Farms was weeks away from its Watermelon Festival this month when news of the tragic deaths of Travis and Candace and their young children, Aubrey (10) and Walker (9), spread across news sites and social media on Monday. All four were killed when their Cirrus SR22 airplane crashed in a field along Riddle Road Monday (just five miles from Raleigh Exec Jetport on their way home from a beach vacation, according to several news outlets).
Early reports of the crash did not list names and listed “at least one” fatality. News of the Buchanan family began circulating around 8 p.m. Monday night. Throughout the night and the following morning, residents and business owners in Broadway, the farming and market community in Lee County, churches and friends of the family wrote of their heartbreak on social media.
“Our hearts are shattered. … The Buchanans were more than just fellow farmers — they were a cornerstone in this community,” The Pint Sized Pasture, a Sanford farm that worked with the Buchanans during their own public events. “Their kindness, their work, their presence … it mattered. Their daughter, Aubrey, had a special place in our hearts. … From our family at Pint Sized Pasture to theirs — we send our deepest love, our prayers and our most heartfelt condolences to all their loved ones. May their legacy live on in the hearts they touched.”
Grace Christian School taught both Aubrey and Walker and shared news of the tragedy with their church community Monday night: “During this incredibly difficult time, we stand together in support of their family and one another. We extend our love, prayers and deepest condolences to their family, friends, classmates, teachers and staff.” The school announced grief support services available for students and staff at the school.
Pop Heaven Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop, located in Broadway just down the road from the farm, was one of several businesses in the small town to share their support: “We started our businesses the same year and Candace and I discussed on many occasions the blessings and experiences of a new business and how we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Please keep this family and our community in your prayers in this difficult time.”
No funeral arrangements have been announced, and the Federal Aviation Agency and National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the cause of the crash. More information will be shared when it is made available.
Community Outpouring
Los Charros Mexican Restaurant: Travis, his wife and kids were more than customers to us; they were friends. I still remember the day Travis came to the restaurant and brought us a lot of his harvests to try, we even named a margarita after his farm. During this difficult time, we stand together in support of their family. We send all our prayers, support and condolences to their families and friends.
Brick City Boba: We were honored to serve at their farm with our boba truck, and their farm left a lasting mark on us. When one local business hurts, we all hurt. Our hearts are with everyone who knew and loved them.
A Toda Madre: Our small town is in shock… thank you Candace and Travis Buchanan Farms for always supporting our business and community. Candace always texted me about how our food truck was always a hit and ways to make things better for her events she truly cared! Our pineapple agua fresca was her favorite, with a touch of her! Today we all mourn the loss of an amazing family.
Broadway Elementary School: Buchanan Farms is a big part of our community! Prayers for their family during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Millie’s Mama Bakes: Buchanan Farms has been a staple, family-run business in our community and their absence will be felt for a long time. I just ask that you pray for their surviving family, staff, friends, classmates and everyone who knew and loved them.
Downtown Sanford Inc: This family was one of our Sanford Farmers’ Market vendors and will be terribly missed. This family farm also supported Downtown for our annual Strawberry Jammin’ Festival. Our love, prayers and condolences go out to their family, friends and community during the wake of this extremely difficult time.
Hankalily Photography: I’m so glad I was able to watch these sweet kids grow up. Candace always had the most perfect outfits picked out, and I knew I’d see her every few months with a new idea of hers. Travis loved to act like he hated taking pictures, but he knew I’d give the attitude right back to him. My heart hurts for the family, and I pray the Lord provides peace and love in only a way he can. Please tell your family and friends you love them.
Ray’s Supermarket: Travis was a regular customer at Ray’s for many years and Kevin enjoyed watching his success and the implementation of his dream to have a farmers market for the community that would support his family in a generational way.
