Pilot Transporting Rescue Animals Dies in N.Y. Crash, but 2 Dogs Survive: ‘Gained His Angel Wings’
- Pilot Seuk Kim was transporting three dogs to an animal shelter when his plane crashed in Windham, New York, on Nov. 24, officials said
- Two of the dogs were found alive following the crash
- “Seuk was more than just a pilot; he was a champion for others, a friend to all, and a deeply loved member of his family,” his obituary read
An animal rescue pilot has been killed in a plane crash in upstate New York, while two dogs who were with him survived, authorities said.
In a news release, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) said the crash happened on Sunday, Nov. 24, around 6:05 p.m. local time, in a remote part of the town of Windham.
Authorities identified the aircraft as a Mooney M20J flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, carrying the pilot and three dogs.
“Responders have reached and secured the crash site,” the Greene County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, Nov. 25. “GCSO are being assisted by the NYS Forest Rangers, NYS Police, Greene County Emergency Services, Windham and Hensonville Fire Departments and The Civil Air Patrol.”
In another news release issued that same day, the sheriff’s office said the pilot was tentatively identified as Seuk Kim, 49, of Springfield, Virginia. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities added that two of the three dogs were found alive–a Lab mix puppy with two broken legs, and another one with minor injuries. Both animals were transported for veterinary care. Meanwhile, the remaining dog was found deceased.
“The pilot has been extricated and transported to Ellis Hospital for an autopsy. The NTSB and the FAA are still on the scene,” the Greene County Sheriff’s Office said in a further update.
Greene County Sheriff’s Office
Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky said that based on a preliminary investigation, Kim died from the crash’s impact, the Associated Press reported.
In an email to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Nov. 26, the GCSO said that the investigation “is still ongoing with the FAA and NTSB still on the scene.”
According to an obituary, Kim worked with a nonprofit organization involved in the rescue and transport of dogs to safe homes.