Four family members confirmed dead after private plane crash off Bahamas
Four relatives were found dead following a crash of a PA-34 Piper near Andros Island, while two others remain missing, authorities said.
A private PA-34 Piper carrying four people crashed about 15 miles off the coast of Andros Island, Bahamas, on Monday morning. The aircraft, which had departed Great Harbour Cay around 11:15 a.m. bound for Miami, was later found to have struck the water near Andros Island.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed that human remains were recovered and are in police custody, with plans to transfer them to New Providence. The family of the victims, who include 80-year-old pilot Mario Lamar, his 79-year-old wife Lili Lamar, and their grandchildren Sofia Sosa (28) and Christian Sosa (22), issued a statement expressing sorrow and noting that they are working with the U.S. Coast Guard to repatriate the deceased.
Relatives said the plane entered the edge of a storm before reversing course, according to flight-tracking data. After the crash, the family’s cousin reported the missing passengers to authorities when they failed to arrive as scheduled.
Law enforcement continues to search for the two remaining occupants, while the family thanked those who have assisted in the effort. Mario Lamar had practiced law in Miami for more than five decades, and his grandson Christian Sosa had recently graduated with a marketing degree and worked as a sports photographer.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials coordinate recovery operations and support for the affected family.