Jason Winters and Nine Others Die in Fatal Washington Floatplane Crash
Fatal Washington floatplane crash death of Jason Winters and nine others – Obituary
The identities of ten individuals who tragically lost their lives in a floatplane crash in Washington’s Puget Sound were released on Tuesday, a day after the U.S. Coast Guard halted the search for nine of the victims.
The Coast Guard suspended the search around noon local time on Sunday after completing 26 search missions that covered approximately 2,100 square nautical miles.
“The Coast Guard extends its deepest condolences to those affected by this devastating incident,” stated Coast Guard Cmdr. Xochitl Castaneda, who coordinated the search and rescue efforts.
The victims identified by the Coast Guard included Jason Winters, the pilot, and passengers Patricia Hicks, Sandra Williams, Lauren Hilty, Ross Mickel, Luke Ludwig, Rebecca Ludwig, Joanne Mera, and Gabrielle Hanna. A child named Remy Mickel was also among those who perished.
To date, only one body has been recovered, though the Coast Guard has not disclosed which victim the remains belong to.
Among the deceased were Ross Mickel, his pregnant wife Lauren Hilty, and their young son Remy. The Mickel family, who runs Ross Andrew Winery in Woodinville, expressed profound grief, stating, “We are heartbroken over the loss of Ross, Lauren, Remy, and their unborn son Luca. Their absence leaves an immense void.”
The Washington State Wine Commission noted Ross Mickel’s significant influence on the local wine industry and his loss will be deeply felt.
Sandra Williams, another victim, was known for her work as a lecturer, filmmaker, and founder of the Carl Maxey Center in Spokane, Washington, as well as her role as editor of The Black Lens. The Spokane County Human Rights Task Force honored her legacy, calling her “a tireless advocate for the marginalized and a cherished friend.”
Joanne Mera, a business owner from San Diego, was visiting family in Seattle when the crash occurred. Her niece described her as the “life of any party” and a beloved family member.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident. Capt. Daniel Broadhurst from the 13th Coast Guard District reflected on the challenging decision to end the search, expressing sympathy for those who lost loved ones.
The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter floatplane crashed into Mutiny Bay off Whidbey Island at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time on Sunday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft was en route from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island to Renton Municipal Airport near Seattle.
As the search was suspended, efforts were concentrated on Mutiny Bay, west of Whidbey Island. The FAA and NTSB will lead the investigation, with the NTSB dispatching a seven-member team to the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Initially, the Coast Guard reported that there were eight adults and one child on board but later corrected the number to ten.
South Whidbey Fire/EMS was at the scene, working to manage the aftermath of this tragic event.
Fatal Washington floatplane crash death of Jason Winters and nine others – Obituary The identities of ten individuals who tragically lost their lives in a floatplane crash in Washington’s Puget Sound were released on Tuesday, a day after the U.S. Coast Guard halted the search for nine of the victims. The Coast Guard suspended the…
Fatal Washington floatplane crash death of Jason Winters and nine others – Obituary The identities of ten individuals who tragically lost their lives in a floatplane crash in Washington’s Puget Sound were released on Tuesday, a day after the U.S. Coast Guard halted the search for nine of the victims. The Coast Guard suspended the…