Three generations of a New Jersey family, including a toddler, were killed in a small plane crash in upstate New York, according to authorities and reports.
Dr. Gabriele Jasper, 70, his daughter Gabriella Hillgrube, 33, and his granddaughter Guiliana Hillgrube, 2, were identified as the victims killed when a twin-engine airplane plummeted into the woods near Saranac Lake on Monday night, state police said.
Jasper was piloting the small 1976 Piper Aerostar 601P from Adirondack Regional Airport shortly after 10:30 p.m. when he lost contact with ground communication after reaching just 100 feet in altitude and crashed, authorities said.
Search crews later located the aircraft, which was destroyed by the fiery impact.
Jasper, of Toms River, was an award-winning spine doctor and anesthesiologist who founded the Jasper Spine Institute, which has two “state-of-the-art” facilities in Brick and Milltown, according to the practice’s website.
The grandfather frequently posted on Facebook about his expeditions to the Adirondacks, his love for Formula 1 racing, and pictures of him out fishing.
Gabriella Hillgrube, of Forked River, worked for her father at the Jasper Spine Institute, Patch reported.
She often posted adoring photos on social media, smiling with her daughter, Guiliana, and her husband, Tyler.
“Dr. Jasper was a very good friend of mine and also one of the top endoscopic surgeons in the world for spinal stenosis and disc degeneration,” friend and former co-worker Chris Alderucci wrote in a Facebook post.
“He lived his life in a fast lane as he loved to race cars, ride his motorcycles and boats. He loved his airplane and helicopter. But most of all he loved his life and his family and friends. He was one of the most genuine surgeons that cared about his patients and the staff that worked with him,” Alderucci wrote.
“There will be many surgeons and patients from around the world that will be sad to hear this news. Love you paisan and will miss you immensely.”
The tragic crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
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