By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-26 23:37:20 | Updated at 2024-11-29 14:29:23
2 days ago
A puppy named Whiskey miraculously survived a plane crash over the weekend that killed both the pilot and another dog on board.
The crash occurred in Upstate New York Sunday around 6:10pm, leaving 49-year-old dog-rescuer Seuk Kim dead at the scene.
Another dog he had been flying to get adopted died on impact as well - though Whiskey and another pooch somehow escaped with their lives.
The two did not get out unscathed, though - with four-month old Whiskey suffering two broken hind legs.
The other dog, a terrier named Pluto, suffered bruising to his lungs and body, veterinarians said Tuesday.
They said the Yorkie-Terrier mix, who was thought dead but found near the crash site after 24 hours, is expected to make a full recovery. The pup is seen being carefully held by cops after being recovered from the crash site in the Catskill Mountains.
Vets are now working to help Whiskey recover, after a puppy named Lisa did not survive.
Cops said Kim had been ferrying the animals from high-euthanasia shelters down South to a non-kill one in Albany - something the animal lover was known to do.
A puppy named Whiskey miraculously survived a fatal plane crash over the weekend - despite breaking both his hind legs
The crash occurred in Upstate New York Sunday around 6:10pm, leaving 49-year-old pilot and animal lover Seuk Kim dead at the scene. The father-of-three is seen here with his family
'Whiskey is currently being stabilized here at Pieper Memorial Emergency & Specialty Hospital by our Emergency and Critical Care Team,' veterinarians from the practice in Connecticut revealed two days after the fatal crash.
'He is scheduled for surgeries on his legs tomorrow, and we are optimistic about his recovery.'
Pluto, they said, was evaluated at Capital District Veterinary Hospital before being released to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley.
The one-year-old dog 'suffered pulmonary contusions and internal and external bruising but is reported to be recovering well,' the Tuesday statement from Pieper Veterinary read.
Medical professionals went on to reveal how Lisa, just a puppy, was lost in the crash, as was the case with the pilot.
'We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Suek Kim's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,' the statement said of the lone man on board.
'Suek's dedication to rescuing animals was truly extraordinary, and this tragedy is a profound loss for everyone who knew him and for the animal rescue community at large.'
Vets working on Whiskey added that onlookers could donate to the shelter to help with the dog's recovery after surviving such an ordeal.
'Whiskey is currently being stabilized here at Pieper Memorial Emergency & Specialty Hospital by our Emergency and Critical Care Team,' veterinarians from the practice in Connecticut revealed two days after the fatal crash
'He is scheduled for surgeries on his legs tomorrow, and we are optimistic about his recovery.'
The other survivor, a terrier named Pluto, suffered bruising to his lungs and body, veterinarians said Tuesday. He is expected to make a full recovery - after being found at the crash site after 24 hours
As for Kim, countless Facebook posts from the credentialed pilot show him flying other rescues across the US and setting them up in forever homes - however far-flung they may have been.
He had lived nearly 400 miles from where his plane went down - which spurred a frantic search for survivors.
Cops confirmed he had been ferrying the animals from Maryland to Albany - something that had become a past-time for the former PR partner in recent years, his family said.
'He always made sure to be available because this is something he cared about.'
On social media, she added: 'Hug your loved ones all a little bit tighter because my father didn't wake up yesterday thinking it would be his last day on earth.'
Anna Kang, Kim's wife, added in her own post: 'Please hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Please remember Seuk. Please comment and let me know how you crossed paths with him.
'I want my kids to know how selfless and fabulous their dad was,' she concluded.
Christine Kim, another relative, added: 'Seuk was more than just a pilot; he was a champion for others, a friend to all, and a deeply loved member of his family.
Cops confirmed he had been ferrying the animals from Maryland to Albany - something that had become a past-time for the former PR partner in recent years, his family said
Kim was a licensed pilot known for flying dogs across the country - all to find them forever homes more efficiently. His body has been taken in for an autopsy, cops said - adding only that he died on impact. The plane he had been flying is seen behind him here
'His bodacious spirit, generous heart, and endless capacity for love will be profoundly missed by his wife, three kids, parents, sibling, extended family, and countless friends.'
Statements from cops previously identified Kim as the pilot, with photos on his social media showing him in front of the same plane mentioned by authorities.
Other posts show how he had flown hundreds of dogs for rehoming without incident - as investigators now look into what caused the plane to crash.
The area where the plane went down, at the time, was experiencing clear skies and no inclement weather.
Kim's body has been taken to Ellis Hospital in Schenectady for an autopsy, deputies said. He previously worked partner and vice president at the public relations firm SunStar Strategic and had been a licensed pilot.
He was widely known for flying dogs across the country, all to help them get set up in homes that ensured their safety.
'From a young age, Seuk dreamed of taking to the skies, and he made that dream a reality by becoming a pilot,' his obituary read.
'He found immense joy in flying and used his passion to help others, including his recent work with a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and transporting dogs to safe homes.'
DailyMail.com has reached out to the FAA for an update.
