Father dies in New York plane crash while saving rescue dogs
- Seuk Kim was piloting a small aircraft carrying rescue dogs when he crashed into a wooded area in New York.
- Visibility was poor, and a change in altitude was requested shortly before the incident.
- Kim's dedication to rescuing animals led to a community outpouring of support following his tragic passing.
In New York, a tragic plane crash claimed the life of Seuk Kim, a 49-year-old father and passionate animal rescuer from Springfield, Virginia. On Sunday, while piloting a small aircraft, Kim was transporting three rescue dogs from Maryland to Albany when he lost control of the plane and crashed in a wooded area approximately 35 miles from his intended destination. Poor visibility was reported in the area at the time of the flight. Just before the crash, Kim had requested a change in altitude due to turbulence, indicating that he was aware of challenging flying conditions. Sadly, Kim died instantly upon impact, along with one of the dogs onboard. However, the two remaining dogs, including a puppy, survived the crash despite suffering injuries like broken legs. These two dogs were later rescued from the crash site. Kim's dedication to rescuing animals defined the later years of his life. He earned his pilot's license just four years prior, fulfilling a lifelong dream of combining his love for flying with a desire to help animals. He became actively involved with organizations such as Pilots and Paws, focusing on transporting animals to safety and new homes. His actions showed a deep commitment to animal welfare, as several examples from his recent activities illustrate. On his recent birthday, he undertook a significant flight to transport a Shar Pei that had been hit by a car to Kentucky for medical treatment. This incident reflects his spirit and how he consistently made himself available for helping animals in need, showcasing his compassionate nature. His family, including his teenage daughter Leah and her two younger brothers, are now relying on one another and their community for support as they navigate their profound loss. With the holiday season approaching, Leah expressed a heartfelt message, urging everyone to cherish their loved ones more deeply, as life can change unexpectedly. The crash is currently under investigation by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, aiming to determine the factors leading up to this tragic event. Meanwhile, members of the community have begun to pay tribute to Kim for his dedication to rescuing animals and his adventurous spirit, which will be remembered fondly.