Accident During Last Month's Rescue Flight of Stray Dogs
Rescue Activities Since Obtaining Pilot License 4 Years Ago
Dedicated to Local Community by Delivering Relief Supplies to Disaster Areas
The story of Korean-American pilot Seok Kim, who died in an unexpected accident while flying to rescue abandoned dogs in the United States, has touched many hearts.
On the 1st (local time), the AP news agency highlighted the life of Seok Kim, a Korean-American pilot whose dream since childhood was to become a pilot. Four years ago, after obtaining his pilot license, he began volunteering with the animal rescue organization 'Pilots n Paws.' This organization transports abandoned dogs and cats from disaster areas to animal shelters. On the 24th of last month, Kim took off for a rescue mission as usual. The journey that day was to transport three abandoned dogs, including a dog named Lisa, from Maryland to Albany, New York.
Pilot Seok Kim during his lifetime transporting abandoned dogs by flight. Provided by Shohari Valley Animal Shelter
As they passed over the Catskill Mountains, an unexpected problem occurred, and the plane crashed. The exact cause of the accident has not been disclosed. Kim died at the age of 49 in this accident. Lisa, who was on board with him, also passed away, while the other two dogs survived. Those close to Kim all praised him. His colleague Penny Edwards recalled that he was "an amazing person." Edwards explained that Kim also participated in delivering relief supplies to North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helen this year, saying, "He did a lot not only for animal rescue but also for the local community."
After the tragic accident, Kim's family decided to bury Lisa's remains, the dog who was with Kim on his last flight, in the backyard of their home. Kim's 16-year-old daughter, Lea, said, "My father was very special to Lisa, to the point that he risked his life to fly for her," adding, "We thought we should continue to take care of Lisa." She also mentioned that the process of transporting Lisa's remains to the Kim family home might become a 'memorial flight' for Kim.
Finally, Lea expressed her longing for her father, saying, "I feel a responsibility to continue the work my father started. Just having Lisa close to us brings peace to our hearts." Meanwhile, the volunteer flight organization 'Pilots n Paws' paid tribute to him through their official social media, stating, "Seok Kim saved many lives with unwavering dedication and inspired many people within the animal rescue community."
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