A fourth victim has died following a small plane crash near Fresno, California, that claimed the lives of a mother and her two children on Saturday.
Craig Eady, 44, passed away Monday at a hospital from injuries sustained in the crash, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. His wife, Danna Eady, 41, and their two sons, Pavel, 10, and Remus, 13, were pronounced dead at the scene. The couple leaves behind two older children who were not aboard the aircraft.
The crash occurred shortly after 1:50 p.m. Saturday near Sierra Sky Park Airport in northwest Fresno. Emergency responders found a single-engine fixed-wing aircraft burning on a bluff above the San Joaquin River. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Key Developments
- Craig Eady’s death was confirmed Monday, two days after the crash.
- The NTSB is analyzing recovered electronic devices from the wreckage.
- Danna Eady was a certified flight instructor at Reedley College’s Flight Science Department.
Crash Details
The aircraft, piloted by Danna Eady, crashed shortly after takeoff. The wreckage was transported to a secure facility for further examination. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, with a preliminary NTSB report expected within 30 days.
Community Response
Reedley College canceled flight science classes Tuesday and made counseling resources available to students and staff following Danna Eady’s death. A SupportNow fundraising campaign has been established to assist the surviving family members with medical, funeral, and other expenses.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB is examining the wreckage and recovered devices to determine the crash’s cause. The investigation remains ongoing, with no further updates available at this time.