(DailyAnswer.org) – A tragic plane crash in New York claimed the life of 49-year-old pilot Seuk Kim on Sunday. Known for his dedication to rescuing animals, Kim’s passing leaves his family and community mourning a man who devoted his life to helping others.
Authorities discovered Kim, a resident of Springfield, Virginia, deceased at the crash site in the Catskill Mountains near Windham. One of the rescue dogs aboard also died, while another was found with two broken legs. A third dog initially went missing but was later recovered with minor injuries.
The surviving injured dog, a Labrador mix puppy, was rushed to the Capital District Veterinary Hospital by Hyer Ground Rescue, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. The crash is being investigated by local authorities, State Police, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Kim was on a mission flying rescue dogs from Harford County, Maryland, to Albany, New York, when the incident occurred. His family remembers him as a man who loved flying and saving animals. “He died doing what he loved,” Kim’s daughter, Leah, told reporters.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Monday that the missing dog had been found at the crash site. The animal received veterinary care thanks to Hyer Ground Rescue and Partners for Animal Welfare (PAW). Meanwhile, Kim’s body was transported to Ellis Hospital for an autopsy as investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continue. Officials clarified that the plane, originally identified as a Cessna, was a Mooney M20J.
Kim’s passion for helping others wasn’t limited to animal rescues. His Facebook posts reveal that he volunteered during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, bringing supplies to people in dire need. Reflecting on his efforts in a heartfelt post, Kim wrote, “I’m honored to have been able to help a few people today and look forward to helping some more before heading back home.”
Seuk Kim’s life serves as a testament to compassion and selflessness, whether in the air rescuing dogs or on the ground aiding hurricane survivors. His death is a loss felt deeply by all who knew him.
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