Posted on 07/28/2012 8:54:57 PM PDT by CedarDave
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Relatives on Friday confirmed the three people killed in an Arizona plane crash are a two-time Olympic runner from Albuquerque, his son and the son's best friend.
The three were on a guys' trip and heading for home Thursday morning when their plane crashed and burned during takeoff from the Sedona airport, Patricia "Trish" Porter said during an afternoon news conference in Albuquerque.
Porter said her husband, former Olympic distance runner Patrick Porter, 53, her son, Connor Porter, 15, and Connor's best friend, Connor Mantsch, 14, died in the crash.
Sedona police told KRQE News 13 the plane was trying to take off when it appeared to clip a fence at the end of the runway.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the wreckage was taken from the crash site to Phoenix to find out what caused the accident.
(Excerpt) Read more at krqe.com ...
Link to ABQ Journal story and picture of surviving wife and young daughter.
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We have been in and out of that airport. Not that large and the surrounding area is pretty much ravines and rugged terrain. Strange wind patterns on occasion. The pain that one feels from losing a child is like no other and just never totally goes away. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the members of both families.
And both named Connor and more than likely the three excited about the Olympics starting the next day. Young men who would be a credit to America and a father showing them the way to accomplish it. Prayers for both their families, I cannot imagine the grief.
There is an invisible thread from parents to a child that not even death can break. It's more than hard carrying love for one's child but cannot express it to them with even a hug.
God have mercy! My Lord and my God have mercy!
Amen! God saves every tear we shed - that’s how precious we are to HIM and HE will never leave nor forsake us. One thing we know these children are in the best Hand possible. There is only One who is better than an earthly parent and that is a HEAVENLY FATHER. He loved and knew them before anyone did. Beyond our understanding but that’s what makes Him Almighty! In spite of everything, we are blessed to know we will see those we hold dear once again and for always this time! Indeed, what a merciful, faithful, loving Almighty God we serve! Thank You, JESUS!
I imagine the investigation will conclude (if it rules out the obvious engine failure) an airplane at gross weight (full fuel, people and bags) launched on a hot day.
RIP.
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