Four members of a Florida family were found deceased after their small aircraft crashed into the ocean near the Bahamas, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The victims have been identified as 80-year-old pilot Mario Lamar, his 79-year-old wife Lili, and two grandchildren, Sofia Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22. The U.S. Coast Guard joined Bahamian authorities in the search for the aircraft, which officials believe crash-landed after departing from Great Harbour Cay.
Search and Recovery Operations
The incident occurred on Monday when the PA-34 Piper five-seater aircraft was en route to Opa-locka, Florida. Data from FlightAware indicated that the plane descended from 10,000 feet to 3,700 feet in approximately three minutes before vanishing from radar. The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported receiving a call around 2:20 p.m. stating that an aircraft may have gone down in waters off Red Bays, confirmed by DW.
According to the police, air traffic control lost contact with tail number N212ML approximately 13 miles west of Andros Island. The U.S. Coast Guard Southeast announced it was assisting following a report of a downed aircraft with four souls on board roughly 15 miles off Andros Island. A HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane from Air Station Cape Cod joined the search efforts, although inclement weather initially postponed operations until conditions improved, a story we covered in Ferry Capsizes Near Cyprus.
Family Statement and Aftermath
Silvia Larrieu, niece of Mario Lamar, confirmed in a statement that all four family members were found deceased. She noted that relatives located the loved ones and brought them aboard their own vessels during the search and recovery mission. The family expressed profound sadness but also gratitude for the support received from civilians who answered calls for help, more context in Ferry Capsizes Near Cyprus.
Larrieu told the Miami Herald that the group was returning to Florida after visiting a vacation property in Great Harbour Cay over Labor Day weekend. She stated that Mario Lamar had years of experience as a pilot and maintained the aircraft in pristine condition. The family is now working with authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, to bring their loved ones home safely.
