A plane crash in the snowy forests of the Catskill Mountains killed the pilot and a rescue dog he was transporting, while two other dogs on board survived, authorities reported.
Seok Kim, 49, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, on Sunday evening when his small plane crashed in a remote area near Windham, about 35 miles southwest of Albany. Kim, a volunteer pilot from Springfield, Virginia, was transporting three. Rescue dogs For a non-profit organization.
According to Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminski, a preliminary investigation indicates Kim died of blunt force trauma. Poor visibility and turbulence were reported before the crash, with Kim requesting permission to change altitude moments before the crash.
Two of the three dogs on board survived. Whiskey, a Labrador-mix puppy with broken bones, was found buried in the snow and has since been taken to a veterinary hospital in Middleton, Connecticut. Pluto, an 18-month-old Yorkie terrier mix, suffered only minor injuries.
Kim, a South Korean immigrant, was widely admired for her dedication to animal rescue. He volunteered for years with an organization that transports animals from overcrowded shelters, often saving them from incurable disease.
“CUK helped save hundreds of animals over the years,” said Maggie Pryor, director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County, the organization that flew Kim. “His selflessness made an immeasurable impact.”
Kathy West of Cuddles and Kisses K9 Rescue in Baltimore remembered Kim as a tireless advocate. “He worked so hard to spread the word about volunteering and rescuing dogs,” she said.
Tributes poured in Monday from fellow rescuers and friends praising Kim’s generosity and dedication to his mission. His family described him as a “selfless person”, whose legacy will live on through a life that touched both humans and animals.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. Rescuers found the wreckage late Sunday in a snow-covered forest about two miles from the nearest road.
