Pilot Who Fell During Stray Dog Rescue... Surviving Dogs Found New Families

Pilot of Korean Descent Dies in Crash During Rescue Mission
Surviving Dogs Adopted by New Families

A pilot who was rescuing animals passed away in an unexpected accident, and it has been revealed that two abandoned dogs present at the accident scene have found new homes.

According to an AP report on the 29th (local time), the dogs that were at the scene of the pilot Seok Kim's fatal accident in New York State, USA, were adopted and met new owners. A 6-month-old Labrador mix named "Whiskey" was found with a broken leg in the snow but was taken to a hospital in Connecticut for surgery and physical therapy before being placed in foster care with a family. This family decided to officially adopt and raise Whiskey. A Yorkshire Terrier mix named "Pluto," who had bruises, recovered quickly and was adopted by a family in New York State.

The late pilot Mr. Kim Seok, who passed away in an unexpected accident last November, seen during a flight transporting abandoned dogs. Provided by Shohari Valley Animal Shelter

Last November, Kim took off from Maryland with three abandoned dogs on board for a rescue mission as usual. While flying over the Catskill Mountains in New York State, his plane crashed due to an unknown issue, and Kim died at the age of 49. Investigations revealed that several adverse conditions, including rough terrain and bad weather, coincided on the day of the accident. Authorities estimate that he encountered severe turbulence during the flight, which caused the crash.

Among the three abandoned dogs present, one named "Lisa" died at the scene, and her remains were delivered to Kim's family. The family considered the transportation of Lisa's remains to their home as a "memorial flight" for the deceased. The story of the late Kim and the surviving dogs was widely reported in the media, sparking interest, and it is known that more than 100 households across the U.S. inquired about adoption.

Kim's 16-year-old daughter, Lea, said, "My father was especially devoted to Lisa, risking his life to fly for her," adding, "We felt that we had to continue taking care of Lisa." She expressed her longing, saying, "I felt a responsibility to continue what my father started. Just having Lisa nearby brings peace to our hearts." Pilot and Furs also paid tribute, saying, "Seok Kim saved many lives with unwavering dedication and inspired many people within the animal rescue community."

Kim was born in Seoul and immigrated to Burke, Virginia, with his family around the age of nine. After graduating from college, he worked on Wall Street, then returned to Virginia, got married, and had three children. Later, to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, he obtained his license and accumulated flight hours while participating in rescue activities with Pilot and Furs.