The pilot, whose seaplane crashed Aug. 24 into Lake Meridian in Kent, has died.<\/p>\n
Alan L. Williams, 74, died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 29, surrounded by his wife of 50 years, his four sons, family and loved ones, according to a statement released by the Williams family through Puget Sound Fire spokesperson Pat Pawlak.<\/p>\n
Williams had been in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle since the crash. Williams died of an anoxic brain injury (lack of oxygen) from the near drowning, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.<\/p>\n
“Alan was a career pilot with a highly decorated 55-year career in aviation,” according to the family statement. “His love of flying was only surpassed by his love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a selfless person who was always there to help those around him. Like the love he showed others, our heartbreak cannot be put into words.<\/p>\n
“We thank our friends and neighbors for their heroic call to action, as well as the professionalism shown by Puget Sound Fire and rescue and the Kent Police, who risked their lives to help our beloved father and husband. Because of their combined efforts, and the amazing care provided by the staff at Harborview Medical Center, we were given a few more days with him.<\/p>\n
“We are so grateful to the community on Lake Meridian and friends near and far for their unwavering support in our time of need. We request privacy at this time to grieve as a family. In lieu of any flowers or gifts, please make a donation in Alan’s name to The Museum of Flight in Seattle.”<\/p>\n
Firefighters responded at about 10:09 a.m. Aug. 24 to reports of a plane upside down in the lake. Lake Meridian Park is at 14800 SE 272nd St. Williams lived in the Lake Meridian neighborhood.<\/p>\n
Two firefighters, a Kent Police officer and two community members entered the water to rescue Williams, who was alone on the plane. Firefighters were able to remove Williams within 20 minutes from the time of dispatch, according to Pawlak.<\/p>\n
Firefighters and paramedics performed lifesaving treatment on the man, including CPR at the scene, prior to medics taking him to Harborview.<\/p>\n
The plane left Norman Grier Field in Kent at about 10:05 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and crashed just a few minutes later, according to flightaware.com. Norman Grier Field is at 29300 179th Pl. SE, and was formerly known as Crest Airpark. The address is listed as Kent but the field is in unincorporated King County.<\/p>\n
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash of a Cessna A185F, according to a Aug. 26 email from a NTSB spokesperson.<\/p>\n
“The preliminary information we have is the plane crashed while landing on Lake Meridian,” the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
A preliminary report about the crash is expected to be released in about 30 days, according to the NTSB. The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12 to 24 months.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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