A Huntsville family is grieving the loss of a father and two daughters following a fatal plane crash in the 1.5 million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana on Friday.
Upon being made aware of a "possible plane crash," authorities arrived at the remote wreckage site around 9 a.m. Saturday morning. After accessing the site, they discovered that Mark Anderson, as well as his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie, did not survive the crash.
RELATED: Sanders Aviation flight instructor, family killed in Montana plane crash
"The downed aircraft was located in a remote, wooded area in Youngs Creek in the Bob Marshall Wilderness- North East of Seeley Lake," the Powell County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) reported. "The pilot and two other occupants were pronounced dead at the scene."
In a statement released to WAFF, the Anderson Family thanked the community for its show of love and support as they continue to navigate the devastating losses.
"Mark, Lainey and Ellie Anderson were fatally injured in a tragic plane crash not far from their destination in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana late Friday afternoon," the statement said. "Mark reported engine trouble shortly before the plane's signal was lost. At this time, we don't have any further details as to the cause of the crash, and are allowing the NTSB to conduct its investigation to the fullest. Mark was an incredible pilot and loved his most cherished passengers more than anything."
The family spoke to the deep pain Misty, the wife of Mark and mother of Lainey and Ellie, is having to face in the wake of the crash.
"As a family, we are working diligently to get all of our loved ones back to Huntsville, Alabama, where services will be held in the coming days. This is an unimaginable loss for Misty (Mark's wife and the girls' mom) and we would ask that our privacy be respected as we try to begin to process this tragedy."
"We find peace in knowing heaven gained three beautiful angels, full of light and having lived their lives to the absolute fullest. Mark, Lainey and Ellie have left the world a better place just being in it," the statement concluded.
A prayer vigil for the family has been set for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
