Virginia father dies in New York plane crash while transporting rescue dogs

FAIRFAX, Va. - A Virginia father known for his dedication to rescuing animals and flying died Sunday in a plane crash in New York.

Seuk Kim, 49, of Springfield, was piloting a small aircraft carrying three rescue dogs from Maryland to Albany when he lost control and crashed into a wooded area about 35 miles from his destination. 

Authorities say visibility was poor, and Kim had requested a change in altitude due to turbulence shortly before the crash.

Kim died on impact, along with one of the dogs. 

The two other dogs, including a puppy, survived with injuries such as broken legs and were rescued from the crash site.

Kim’s 16-year-old daughter, Leah Kim, said her father spent the final years of his life devoted to rescuing animals and fulfilling his passion for flying.

"He died doing what he loved, which was saving animals," Leah said.

Kim earned his pilot’s license four years ago, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Since then, he has combined his love for flying with a commitment to helping others, working with organizations like Pilots and Paws to transport animals to safety and new homes.

On his recent birthday, Kim flew a Shar Pei hit by a car to Kentucky for medical care. Leah said he would jump at the chance to help whenever an opportunity arose.

"He always made sure to be available because this is something he cared about," Leah said.

Kim’s family, including Leah, her two younger brothers, and their mother, are leaning on each other and their community as they navigate this loss.

As the holidays approach, Leah shared a heartfelt message: "Hug your loved ones all a little bit tighter because my father didn’t wake up yesterday thinking it would be his last day on earth."

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

Pilots and Paws sent FOX 5 a statement saying, "Our hearts are shattered as he was a huge asset to not just us but the entire rescue community and recently worked closely with some members of our team with the Helene disaster. It has been very difficult to speak about him as the news just still seems so unreal …  Our most memorable flight with him was when he offered to fill in as the final leg pilot for a very special rescue dog; Connie the Container Dog. He was the backbone to our recent donation drive for the Helene disaster and even purchased a pick-up truck just so he could drive the supplies down and be boots on the ground. He was fairly close with some members of our rescue team. He recently informed us about a Pet Food Bank he was wanting to get up and running with his kids and we were planning on being a part of that to assist in any way we could."

"Seuk Kim embodied the spirit of Pilots N Paws: selfless, compassionate, and tireless in his efforts to save animals in need of lifesaving transport. His dedication to flying rescue missions and inspiring others to join our cause will remain an enduring part of his legacy. We are deeply saddened by his passing and committed to honoring his memory by continuing the lifesaving work he held so close to his heart."

A fundraiser has been started to help support Seuk Kim's family during this difficult time.