A plane flying from the Cleveland Cavaliers game that disappeared on its way to Columbus, Ohio is now presumed lost, with all aboard six people aboard presumed killed. Among those on the plane was the CEO of an Ohio beverage company, his wife, and two young sons.
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The Columbus Dispatch reported the Coast Guard late Friday called off the search for the plane, which disappeared over Lake Erie Thursday night. The newspaper quoted said Capt. Michael Mullen, chief of response for the Coast Guard 9th District as saying "I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who lost loved ones during this tragedy."
The plane was piloted by John T. Fleming, the CEO at Superior Beverage Group that's based in Columbus, Ohio. The Dispatch said his passengers included his wife, two teenage sons, a neighbor and the neighbor's daughter. According to an earlier report:
"The Cessna Citation 525 departed at 10:57 p.m. Thursday from Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. Air traffic control officials lost contact with it a short time later.
A spokesman for the airport told NBC News that the missing aircraft was carrying three adults and three children."
Mr. Fleming's father said authorities believe the plane crashed into Lake Erie, but there's no word yet on what may have caused the suspected crash.
Our thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this time.
