4 family members killed in Bahamas small plane crash identified
The bodies of four family members from Miami were recovered Tuesday following a small plane crash near the Bahamas, family members said.
A family statement provided to ABC News identified the passengers as Mario Lamar Sr., 80, and Lili Lamar, 79, and their grandchildren Sofi Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22. Mario Lamar was "an experienced pilot with more than 40 years of flying experience," according to the family.
"Our relatives ultimately located our loved ones and had to bring them aboard their own vessels," the family said in a statement Tuesday.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of The Bahamas. The agency said as of Tuesday afternoon it has not found the plane or any wreckage.
Around 2 p.m. on Monday, "the Royal Bahamian Defense Force requested Coast Guard assistance following a report of a downed airplane with four people aboard approximately 15 miles off Andros Island, Bahamas," the Coast Guard said.
The Bahamas Police Department identified the plane as a PA-34 Piper five-seater aircraft. It took off from Great Harbour Cay around 11:12 a.m. Monday and was bound for Miami Executive Airport, officials said.
"Air Traffic Control subsequently lost contact with the aircraft approximately 13 miles west of Andros Island," Bahamas Police said, adding that poor weather had postponed the search.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, officials said. The family said it is asking for privacy.
"We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us, searched alongside us, and kept our family in their prayers," they said in a statement.
