Seuk Kim Obituary, Death: Virginia pilot and dog killed in New York plane crash; 2 dogs survive.
Seuk Kim Obituary, Death – A Virginia pilot and a rescue dog he was transporting tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in New York’s Catskill Mountains on Sunday evening, while two other dogs survived the crash, authorities reported.
The incident occurred when 49-year-old Seuk Kim, a pilot from Springfield, Virginia, was flying a Cessna T210L from Maryland to Albany. The plane crashed just after 6 p.m. in a remote area of Windham, about 35 miles southwest of Albany. Kim was traveling with three dogs, all part of a rescue mission organized by a not-for-profit group that coordinates volunteer pilots to transport animals in need of adoption.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office stated that Kim and one of the dogs were found dead at the crash site. However, two of the dogs were found alive. One dog, a Labrador mix puppy named Whiskey, was seriously injured with two broken legs, while the other dog, an 18-month-old Yorkie terrier mix named Pluto, had only minor injuries. Whiskey was taken to a veterinary hospital in Middleton, Connecticut, while Pluto was also rescued and found safe.
The rescue operation was launched shortly after the plane went down in the wooded area of Windham, where conditions were challenging due to snow and poor visibility. Authorities were able to locate the wreckage before midnight, despite the difficult terrain and about a foot of snow on the ground. Kim, who had been an active volunteer pilot for animal rescue operations, was remembered fondly by many in the rescue community. Maggie Pryor, the director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County, where the dogs were headed, praised Kim for his dedication to saving animals, saying he had helped save hundreds of lives over the years by transporting animals that would otherwise have been euthanized due to overcrowded shelters.
Kim’s family described him as a kind and selfless individual who had immigrated to the United States from South Korea with little but a dream. They added that he worked hard to build a life of meaning and generosity, and his legacy would live on in the many lives he had touched, both human and animal. His contributions to the rescue community were deeply appreciated, and tributes to him poured in from fellow dog rescuers and pilots who had worked with him.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the crash. Authorities indicated that the weather conditions on the day of the crash were poor, with limited visibility. Kim had reportedly requested permission to change altitude due to turbulence before the plane went down. Investigators are working to determine whether the weather conditions or other factors contributed to the accident.
Kim’s tragic death has left a lasting impact on the rescue community. In addition to his work with animal rescues, he was well known for coordinating volunteer pilots across the country to help transport animals to safety. His work not only saved countless animals but also brought people together in the common cause of helping those in need.
The rescue organization involved in the flight, along with the animal shelter in Schoharie County, expressed their gratitude for Kim’s dedication to the cause. His commitment to animal rescue was evident in the number of flights he had undertaken over the years, which had helped to bring many animals to safety and ensure they found loving homes.
As the investigation into the crash continues, Kim’s family and friends, along with the animal rescue community, are mourning the loss of a man who touched so many lives through his work and generosity. His legacy as a selfless volunteer pilot and animal advocate will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those who knew him and in the lives of the animals he helped save.
