Karol DeGraw dies in fatal Napoleon Township plane crash
Fatal Napoleon Township plane crash death of Karol DeGraw – Obituary
Karol DeGraw, a passionate pilot from Napoleon Township, tragically died in a plane crash on Saturday evening. Known for her adventurous spirit, she is remembered for her enthusiasm and extensive experience in aviation.
According to her husband, Dick DeGraw, Karol had a zest for life that extended beyond the skies.
“She embraced many adventures, from motorcycle racing to rock climbing for 24 years, and spent 40 years flying airplanes, helicopters, and gyroplanes,” he shared.
Dick, who built the aircrafts, noted that Karol was the one who took to the skies. A video captured her flying earlier that day, but a few hours later, the same plane crashed in a wooded area near their residence.
Emergency services, including the Napoleon Township police and fire departments, collaborated with several agencies to locate Karol.
“We found her within 40 to 45 minutes with the help of a helicopter and GPS tracking from her phone,” said Captain Chris Jacobson of the Napoleon Township Police.
The couple shared a lifelong passion for aviation, having owned various aircraft throughout their 45 years of marriage. Karol had accumulated over 2,200 hours of flight time.
“She truly loved flying; it was evident in her joy after each flight, even if it was just for 15 or 20 minutes,” DeGraw recalled.
Captain Jacobson remarked on the extraordinary nature of Karol’s continued flying at the age of 83.
Dick DeGraw fondly remembers Karol for her fearless and adventurous nature, as well as her role as a devoted wife and mother. “Everyone I’ve spoken to over the past couple of days has praised her as an incredible woman. I will always love and miss her dearly,” he said.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash. Karol DeGraw will be cremated, with a memorial service scheduled for a later date.
Fatal Napoleon Township plane crash death of Karol DeGraw – Obituary Karol DeGraw, a passionate pilot from Napoleon Township, tragically died in a plane crash on Saturday evening. Known for her adventurous spirit, she is remembered for her enthusiasm and extensive experience in aviation. According to her husband, Dick DeGraw, Karol had a zest for…
Fatal Napoleon Township plane crash death of Karol DeGraw – Obituary Karol DeGraw, a passionate pilot from Napoleon Township, tragically died in a plane crash on Saturday evening. Known for her adventurous spirit, she is remembered for her enthusiasm and extensive experience in aviation. According to her husband, Dick DeGraw, Karol had a zest for…