HARRIETSTOWN, NY. (THECOUNT) — Dr. Gabriel P. Jasper, 70, of Toms River, New Jersey, his daughter, Gabriella M. Hillgrube, 33, of Forked River, New Jersey, and his 2-year-old granddaughter, Guiliana M. Hillgrube, of Forked River, were killed Monday night when a small plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Adirondack Regional Airport in Harrietstown, New York, according to New York State Police.
Jasper, who was an accomplished physician and spine specialist from Toms River, was piloting the aircraft.
Harrietstown is located in New York’s Adirondack Mountains near the village of Saranac Lake in Franklin County. Authorities said the aircraft crashed moments after departing Adirondack Regional Airport.
New York State Police identified Jasper as the pilot of the aircraft. Investigators said all three family members were pronounced dead at the scene following the crash.
According to a preliminary investigation, the 1976 Piper Aerostar departed Adirondack Regional Airport at approximately 10:36 p.m. Monday.
Investigators said the aircraft climbed to an estimated altitude of approximately 100 feet above the ground before communication with the plane was lost.
Emergency responders located the wreckage of the aircraft a short time later after it crashed and caught fire, prompting a multi-agency response that continued through Tuesday.
Authorities have not released information regarding what may have caused the aircraft to go down. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration and the New York State Police. Officials said additional information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
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