John C. Weaver, Debra S. Weaver, and Courtney A. Weaver killed in small plane crash near Ranger, Texas on August 16.

Three family members have died in a small plane crash in rural Central Texas.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford says the single-engine plane crashed around midnight on Saturday.

The plane had taken off from Cook Canyon Ranch Airport near Ranger, which is located about 85 miles west of Fort Worth.

The crash happened in a wooded area about three miles northwest of Ranger.

Fred Biddle with the Texas Department of Public Safety identified the dead as John C. Weaver and Debra S. Weaver of Granbury, and their daughter, Courtney A. Weaver of Plano.

Lunsford says the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

What every family needs to know about Texas wrongful death claims

When someone is killed in a car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, or other kind of accident, family members left behind must cope with the tragedy as best they can. Many important decisions need to be made, and a wrongful death claim needs to be filed.

In Texas, a claim can be filed only by specific family members, but there are strict requirements and deadlines that must be met. It is critical to talk with a experienced wrongful death lawyer in Texas to get the information and advice needed to move forward.