Kelly Reid and Pascal Reid die in fatal Fullerton plane crash
Fatal Fullerton plane crash deaths of Kelly Reid and Pascal Reid – Obituary
A tragic plane crash in Fullerton claimed the lives of 16-year-old Kelly Reid, a high school junior, and her father, Pascal Reid, on January 2.
Kelly was a standout athlete at Huntington Beach High School, excelling in soccer, lacrosse, and flag football, while her father was a dedicated supporter of her athletic endeavors.
The crash occurred shortly after the Van’s RV-10 aircraft, piloted by Pascal, departed from Fullerton Municipal Airport. Pascal attempted an emergency landing after encountering issues mid-flight. Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the roof of a furniture manufacturing warehouse on West Raymer Avenue, about 1,000 feet from the runway. The impact triggered a fire inside the building, injuring 19 employees. Eleven were hospitalized, while eight others received treatment at the scene.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with one employee recalling a coworker whose hair and clothing were burned in the incident. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution. The warehouse has since been red-tagged, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation.
Recordings revealed Pascal attempted to return to the airport in distress, with his final words indicating panic before the audio abruptly cut out. NTSB officials stated that the plane made a left turn before crashing just short of the runway.
A vigil was held at Friends Christian Church in Huntington Beach, where loved ones gathered to mourn the loss. The school’s flag football team paid tribute to Kelly, remembering her as a dedicated athlete, leader, and friend who touched many lives with her compassion and determination. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
