A tragic accident unfolded over the weekend near Albany, New York, when Seuk Kim, a dedicated animal rescue pilot from Springfield, Virginia, lost his life during a flight transporting three rescue dogs. The 49-year-old pilot was serving with the nonprofit group Pilots N Paws, which aims to save shelter animals from euthanasia by relocating them to organizations with available homes. Kim’s single-engine Mooney M20J aircraft crashed around 6:10 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2024, after departing from Maryland and heading to Albany.
The plane went down amid poor flying conditions, affecting visibility and leading Kim to request permission to change altitude shortly before the crash. According to Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky, the aircraft fell around 35 miles southwest of Albany, deep in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains. A preliminary investigation revealed the unfortunate details: Kim died upon impact, and one of the three dogs onboard perished alongside him, identified later as 5-month-old Lisa.
Rescue teams arrived at the site shortly after the crash was reported and discovered two surviving dogs: Whiskey, a 4-month-old Labrador-mix puppy who sustained two broken legs, and Pluto, an 18-month-old Yorkie-terrier mix with minor injuries. Whiskey was found frightened and dug deep in the snow, leading to concerns about her condition. Both were swiftly transported to veterinary facilities for prompt care.
Kim was well-known among animal rescue communities for his commitment to saving the lives of dogs. Over the years, he is credited with rescuing hundreds of animals, allowing them to avoid euthanasia at overcrowded shelters. Maggie Pryor, director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County, expressed heartfelt condolences, stating, "Over the years, Seuk helped to save the lives of hundreds of animals who would have otherwise been euthanized due to overcrowding at animal shelters." His family, stunned by the loss, remembered him as someone who always went above and beyond to help others, both human and animal alike.
Following the heartbreaking news, tributes began pouring in on social media and online memorials. Friends and fellow pilots honored Kim as a “bright light,” and the same message echoed through his obituary, which lauded his lifelong dream of flying and his dedication to animal rescue. A fundraiser to assist Kim’s family with funeral expenses has raised over $24,000 as the community rallies to support his wife and three children during this painful time.
Kim's passion for flying was only matched by his love for animals. His contribution to animal welfare didn't start on the day of the fateful flight; it extended back for years as he volunteered to transport dogs from places where they faced imminent danger of euthanasia to shelters where they could be adopted. Notably, this year he had flown a dog known as Connie, who was saved from being trapped inside a shipping container at the Port of Houston.
Kim had completed his private pilot's training only four years prior, realizing his dream of taking to the skies. His family shared cherished memories of him throughout his life, highlighting his kindness, selflessness, and commitment to helping others. "He came to this country with little but a dream, and through hard work and perseverance, he built a life of meaning and generosity," they shared.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are now responsible for the investigation surrounding the crash, which occurred during period of bad weather, including light rain and low visibility due to snowfall across the region. The NTSB will provide investigations updates as they continue their inquiry, which includes examining flight logs, rescue records, and witness statements. Details surrounding the factors leading up to the crash remain unclear, but the love and admiration for Kim from the animal rescue community are evident as they seek to honor his legacy.
This tragic incident serves as both a heavy reminder of the risks associated with piloting small aircraft and the tireless work devoted to rescuing animals from dire situations. Future flights and rescues may be shaped by this loss, but the compassion for saving lives, like those of Whiskey and Pluto, will continue to drive the mission forward. The tribute to Seuk Kim is not just about grief but also about celebrating the countless lives he touched through his commitment and passion for animal rescue.
His final act, helping to deliver dogs for adoption and rescue, resonates with many who aspired to contribute positively to the world. It showcases the beauty and tragedy within the hardworking network of volunteers dedicated to dog rescues, where every life saved leaves enduring footprints of love and empathy behind.
