(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the risks faced by those dedicated to animal welfare, volunteer pilot Seuk Kim tragically lost his life while on a mission to rescue three dogs.
The crash occurred in the dangerous terrain of New York’s Catskill Mountains.
Seuk Kim, a South Korean immigrant living in Springfield, Virginia, died when his 1986 Mooney M20J aircraft crashed under poor visibility and snowy conditions.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols and oversight of volunteer-run animal rescue operations, especially those involving private aircraft.
Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky stated that the visibility was poor and that Kim sought permission to change his altitude because of turbulence before the plane went down in early evening.
A fellow rescue flight volunteer, Sydney Galley said that the aircraft — Kim’s third plane, purchased in recent months — was equipped with technology to help locate it in an emergency.
Still, the sheriff claimed it took authorities until about midnight Sunday to find the aircraft, which was in about a foot of snow a couple of miles from the nearest road.
While Kim’s dedication to saving animals from euthanasia due to overcrowding in shelters was praised by many, some critics argued that such risky endeavors should not be necessary in a country with proper animal control policies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash, prompting questions about the regulation of volunteer pilot programs and whether stricter guidelines are needed to prevent future tragedies.
Some conservative voices are calling for a review of these operations, emphasizing the need to prioritize human safety over animal rescue missions.
Director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County Maggie Pryor said, “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.”
Animal rights activists have hailed the survival of Whiskey and Pluto, two dogs from the crash, as a miracle.
However, some conservatives pointed out that the resources being allocated for the dogs’ medical care and rehabilitation could be better spent on initiatives that benefit human communities in need.
Kim lived with his wife and their three children in Springfield, Virginia. He “came to this country with little but a dream, and through hard work and perseverance, he built a life of meaning and generosity,” cousin Christine Kim said in a Facebook message.
Kim started flying rescue dogs about four years ago and became a dedicated volunteer who handled as many as three flights a week and helped line up other pilots.
Unfazed by huge dogs, cats that other pilots did not want to fly, or animal potty accidents, he responded to virtually any request with a smile and “sure, I can do that,” Galley added.
As the investigation into the crash continues, many are calling for a reevaluation of animal rescue practices and the implementation of stricter safety measures.
Copyright 2024, GoRealNewsNow.com
