Four family members found dead after private plane vanishes near Bahamas
Relatives recovered the bodies of four South Florida family members who disappeared on a Piper aircraft off Andros Island, and are coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard for repatriation.
Four South Florida relatives were confirmed dead on Tuesday after a private Piper PA-34 aircraft vanished near Andros Island, Bahamas, on Monday. The family said relatives on boats located the bodies and are now working with the U.S. Coast Guard to return them to Miami.
The flight, piloted by 80-year-old Mario Lamar Sr., departed Great Harbour Cay at about 10:12 a.m. and was headed for Opa-Locka, Florida. Contact was lost roughly an hour later, about 13 miles west of Andros Island. Bahamian police identified the aircraft by its tail number N212ML.
"It is with profound sadness that we confirm all four of our family members have been found deceased," the family statement read.
Royal Bahamas Defence Force Lt. Darius Adams said the plane may have tried to divert around inclement weather, which could have led it off course toward Andros Island. Bahamian officials contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance, but poor weather forced a temporary suspension of the official search, prompting relatives to conduct their own effort.
The victims were Mario Lamar Sr., his wife Lili, 79, and their grandchildren Sofia Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22. The family expressed gratitude to those who assisted and requested privacy during their mourning.