Pilot Transporting Rescue Animals Dies in N.Y. Crash; 2 Canines Survive

• Pilot Seuk Kim was transporting three canines to an animal shelter when his aircraft crashed in Windham, New York, on Nov. 24, officers stated
• Two of the canines have been discovered alive following the crash
• “Seuk was greater than only a pilot; he was a champion for others, a buddy to all, and a deeply liked member of his household,” his obituary learn

An animal rescue pilot has been killed in a aircraft crash in upstate New York, whereas two canines who have been with him survived, authorities stated.

In a information launch, the Greene County Sheriff’s Workplace (GCSO) stated the crash occurred on Sunday, Nov. 24, round 6:05 p.m. native time, in a distant a part of the city of Windham. 

Authorities recognized the plane as a Mooney M20J flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, carrying the pilot and three canines. 

“Responders have reached and secured the crash website,”  the Greene County Sheriff’s Workplace stated on Monday, Nov. 25. “GCSO are being assisted by the NYS Forest Rangers, NYS Police, Greene County Emergency Companies, Windham and Hensonville Fireplace Departments and The Civil Air Patrol.”

In one other information launch issued that very same day, the sheriff’s workplace stated the pilot was tentatively recognized as Seuk Kim, 49, of Springfield, Virginia. He was pronounced lifeless on the scene. 

Authorities added that two of the three canines have been discovered alive–a Lab combine pet with two damaged legs, and one other one with minor accidents. Each animals have been transported for veterinary care.  In the meantime, the remaining canine was discovered deceased.

“The pilot has been extricated and transported to Ellis Hospital for an post-mortem. The NTSB and the FAA are nonetheless on the scene,” the Greene County Sheriff’s Workplace stated in an extra replace. 

Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky stated that primarily based on a preliminary investigation, Kim died from the crash’s impression, the Related Press reported. 

In accordance with an obituary, Kim labored with a nonprofit group concerned within the rescue and transport of canines to secure properties.

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“Seuk was a shiny mild in all our lives—witty, spontaneous, and filled with boundless generosity,” learn the tribute. “His laughter may fill a room, and his zest for all times impressed everybody lucky sufficient to know him. Whether or not by means of his daring sense of journey or his quiet acts of kindness, he left an enduring impression on everybody he met.”

Maggie Pryor, director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County, stated in an announcement, later obtained by the AP and CBS Information, that “over time, Seuk helped to save lots of the lives of a whole lot of animals who would have in any other case been euthanized on account of overcrowding at animal shelters.”

The Animal Shelter of Schoharie County’s assertion stated that earlier than the crash, Kim was flying with three canines rescued from “a euthanasia listing at a high-kill shelter” to an airport in Albany the place the animals have been to be taken in by the shelter. 

SFC Virginia, one other animal rescue group, paid tribute to Kim in a Fb put up. 

“We noticed him simply [Nov. 24] at a neighborhood airport whereas choosing up our personal canines, moments earlier than he launched into his final rescue mission,” the group wrote. “As at all times, Seuk was upbeat, smiling, and happy- we by no means as soon as noticed him in a foul temper!”

“Transporters are the unseen, unsung heroes of the rescue world, appearing because the bridge that helps so many pets who wouldn’t have an opportunity of their unique shelters,” SFC Virginia added.  “Lots of them, together with Seuk, do that vital work on their very own time, utilizing their very own assets.”

Anna Kang, Kim’s spouse, wrote on Fb that she was “heartbroken” over her husband’s dying.

“My husband Seuk Kim gained his angel wings doing what he liked,” Kang stated. “He was flying rescue canines to Albany when the accident occurred. He’s my life lengthy accomplice, my soul mate, father of my kids. I miss him and his shiny persona.”