‘Extraordinary’ Man Died in Upstate New York Plane Crash

We've learned more about the man and the animals on board a Cessna 6-passenger plane that crashed on Sunday afternoon in the Catskill Mountains on its way to Albany International Airport.

Sources say the pilot, Seuk Kim, 49, was flying from Maryland to Albany when his plane crashed in Windham, about 35 miles southwest of Albany.

The Virginia native was traveling with three dogs and was associated with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals with help from volunteer pilots.

"Over the years, Seuk helped save hundreds of animals who would have otherwise been euthanized due to overcrowding at animal shelters." - ASSV Executive Director Maggie Pryo

What Happened?

The Greene County Sheriff's Office reported that the plane crashed at approximately 6:10 p.m. on November 24 in a "remote location" in the Town of Windham, about one hour southwest of Albany in the Catskill Mountains.

Here's What We Know About the Passengers On Board

At the time of the crash, Kim was volunteering his time while transporting three dogs that had been rescued from a euthanasia list at a high-kill shelter in the south on their “freedom flight” to the Albany Airport for intake at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley.

According to the ASSV, two of the three dogs on the “freedom flight” survived the crash. On Monday afternoon, under the supervision of the ASSV, they were rushed to veterinary clinics in the Capital Region to receive emergency medical attention.

One of the two dogs — a four-month-old male puppy lab mix named Whiskey — suffered two broken legs and will undergo surgeries this week at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown, CT.

The other dog — a one-and-a-half-year-old male yorkie/terrier mix named Pluto — is currently being evaluated to determine the extent of his injuries.

A third puppy, named Lisa, was tragically killed in the plane crash, according to the ASSV, who say they will oversee the two surviving dogs’ medical recoveries and when they’re ready, help them find a loving home.

Fundraiser Started by Family

Instead of flowers, they requested donations in Kim's honor to support his surviving family during this "difficult time and help them navigate the challenges ahead."

When we published this article, nearly $25,000 had been raised.

Kim's heartbroken family wrote about the life and times of a man who they say was more than "just a pilot."  He was a son, a husband, and a father of three young kids, and he had countless friends.

The obituary outlined his everyday heroics:

"Seuk was more than just a pilot; he was a champion for others, a friend to all, and a deeply loved member of his family. His bodacious spirit, generous heart, and endless capacity for love will be profoundly missed by his wife, three kids, parents, siblings, extended family, and countless friends."

While adding, "A celebration of his extraordinary life is being planned, and we will share details soon."