**Tragedy Strikes Wisconsin Family in Plane Crash**
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A devastating plane crash in Wisconsin on October 13 has claimed the lives of six individuals, including a beloved grandmother, her two adult daughters, and her 13-year-old grandson. The accident occurred while the victims were returning from a family outing to a high school volleyball game.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of those lost in the crash: Mary K. Brion, aged 67, Amanda M. Haremza, 45, Kayla C. Turpin, 39, and Rylan Haremza, 13. The group had been on a private flight in a fixed-wing Piper that was travelling from Kenosha to Menomonie when it went down during severe weather conditions.
David Brion, the husband of Mary Brion, expressed his devastation in the wake of the tragedy. “It wasn’t right what happened,” he lamented, reflecting on the special trip they had made to surprise their granddaughters at a volleyball match. Living approximately five hours away by car, the couple had arranged the flight through a friend of their son-in-law, who was a qualified pilot. Tragically, their journey ended in disaster.
The crash occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. when local emergency services began to receive calls regarding a downed aircraft. Upon arrival at the scene, first responders discovered the plane in a heavily wooded area, with all six individuals onboard confirmed deceased.
According to early investigations, the aircraft had been in communication with the local control tower prior to the incident. Reports indicate that while flying at 24,000 feet, the pilot, Ronald R. Riek, 63, reported icing and requested permission to descend, which was granted. Tragically, data tracking and communications were lost as the aircraft entered a steep descent.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have since arrived at the crash site to begin documentation and analysis. They have reported that their examination includes not just the main wreckage, but also the surrounding area for any additional debris. The cockpit, cabin, engines, and propellers are being scrutinised as part of the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Riek, who was deemed highly experienced, was reportedly accompanied by Tyler J. Harvey, a 36-year-old certified flight instructor. Both men were also among the deceased. Daniel Johnson, the chairman of the Menomonie Airport Commission, commented on Riek’s anticipated role in this flight, noting the pilot often invited fellow pilots along for journeys.
As news of the crash has circulated, it has left the local community heartbroken. Rob Stewart, the superintendent of Alma Area Schools, confirmed that the Brion daughters were part of the school district and expressed the collective sorrow felt throughout the close-knit community. “We are a very small rural community, and news of this affects everybody,” he stated, remembering the family as “super nice people.”
Amidst this tragedy, Rylan Haremza has been fondly remembered by his grandfather as a “wonderful little kid” with a passion for hunting, fishing, and sports such as wrestling and football. The loss of such young life has deeply affected those who knew him.
As investigations are set to continue, the aviation community and the residents of the area remain united in grief, hoping to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic plane crash.