Two Seneca men victims of Florida plane crash

The Oconee County coroner confirmed last night that the bodies found after a Florida plane crash yesterday are those of two Seneca men. Coroner Karl Addis said at  the request of the Maitland, Florida police, he notified the families. But Addis referred requests for other information to the Maitland police and the Orange County, Florida medical examiner’s office in Orlando. By late last night, according to news reports from the Orlando area, the identities of the two men had not been released. Word and speculation quickly spread thru Oconee County as to the identities of the deceased. An Orlando TV station late last night reported the plane crashed into Clear Lake, shortly after takeoff from the Orlando Executive Airport. Witnesses are quoted as saying had the plane missed the water, it likely would have hit a home in a west Orlando neighborhood. The plane, registered to the Golden Corner Flying Club, is believed to have departed from the Oconee Regional Airport at 6:30 yesterday morning and had left Orlando later yesterday morning for New Smyrna Beach. Eddie Perry, chief executive officer of the flying club, told 101.7/WGOG NEWS, “Our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to the families, loved ones and friends of our downed pilot and his passenger. At this tragic time, we request that everyone respect the privacy and dignity of the families.”