A beloved pilot, known for flying rescue dogs across the country to new homes, tragically died in a plane crash in a remote area of New York.
Seuk Kim, 49, was flying a Mooney M20J aircraft on Sunday when the plane went down in the Catskill Mountains, claiming his life.
One of the dogs he was transporting also perished in the crash, while two others survived.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
Kim was making a routine flight, transporting rescued dogs from Maryland to Albany, New York.
His work was well known in the animal rescue community, with many of his Facebook posts showcasing his missions to save and rehome animals, often flying long distances to ensure they found loving homes.
The crash occurred around 6:10 p.m., and a search team soon located the wreckage.
Two of the dogs survived the crash. One, a Labrador mix puppy, suffered broken legs, while the other dog, initially thought to be missing, was found the next day with only minor injuries.
The animals were taken to veterinary care, while Kim’s body was recovered for an autopsy.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remained on-site as they worked to determine the cause of the crash.
A Life Dedicated to Rescue Missions
Kim’s passion for flying and animal rescue was evident in his social media posts, which highlighted his frequent flights to rehome animals.
His social media also contained pictures of the very plane he was piloting at the time of the crash, confirming his identity as the pilot.
Investigators have reported that weather conditions were clear at the time of the crash, ruling out inclement weather as a factor.
The crash site was in a remote location, but Kim’s legacy of rescuing animals lives on.
One of the surviving dogs, a lab-mix named Whiskey, is expected to recover fully after receiving treatment at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center.
Remembering Seuk Kim
Kim’s family, friends, and the animal rescue community have been sharing tributes in his honor.
His eldest daughter, Leah, 16, expressed her heartbreak, saying, “He died doing what he loved, which was saving animals. He always made sure to be available because this is something he cared about.”
On social media, she urged people to hug their loved ones tighter, reflecting on how her father’s passing was unexpected.
Kim’s wife, Anna Kang, also shared an emotional post, asking people to remember Seuk’s kindness and selflessness.
“Please hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Please remember Seuk,” she wrote.
“I want my kids to know how selfless and fabulous their dad was.”
A relative, Christine Kim, shared a touching tribute, describing Seuk as “more than just a pilot” but a “champion for others” who had a “generous heart” and “endless capacity for love.”
She added, “Seuk lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy of kindness and courage.”
A Final Mission
Just a month before the crash, Seuk Kim had posted about one of his recent flights, where he flew four dogs from Tennessee to Virginia for adoption.
He shared a story about a dog named Velma, who had managed to escape her crate during the flight, describing her as a “wiry escape artist” and noting how she had charmed everyone with her spirit.
Now, as authorities investigate the cause of the crash, Kim’s legacy as a selfless animal advocate continues to resonate.
His dedication to helping animals, and the love he gave to his family, will not be forgotten.
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