Delilah Van Ness Obituary and Death: Delilah Van Ness (15), Paul Pelletier (55), Susan Van Ness (51), and Frank Rodriquez (88) Tragically Perish in Plane Crash Near Basin Harbor Airport, Ferrisburgh, Vermont
In a deeply sorrowful turn of events, the small community of Ferrisburgh, Vermont, has been struck by an unprecedented tragedy following a catastrophic plane crash that claimed the lives of four individuals: Delilah Van Ness, 15; Paul Pelletier, 55; Susan Van Ness, 51; and Frank Rodriquez, 88. The single-engine Piper aircraft, which departed Windham Airport in Connecticut at approximately 8:30 AM on Sunday, September 8, 2024, was bound for Basin Harbor Airport but never made it back. The lives of these four passengers were tragically cut short, leaving a profound void in the hearts of their families and the community.
The ill-fated journey began with what was expected to be a routine two-hour flight from Connecticut to Basin Harbor. The plane had successfully landed at Basin Harbor earlier in the day, where the occupants had arrived to enjoy a brunch reservation. The morning had commenced with the promise of a serene and pleasant day. However, what should have been a celebratory outing turned into a nightmare. Following their brunch, the plane took off for its return flight to Connecticut shortly after noon. The aircraft was scheduled to arrive in Connecticut at a specific time, but when it failed to do so, concerned relatives of the passengers were prompted to notify authorities.
The alarm was raised, and as the hours passed without any sign of the aircraft, authorities initiated a search operation. Utilizing cellphone location data, both local police and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) worked tirelessly to determine the last known position of the aircraft. It was discovered that the plane’s final location was near the airstrip in Ferrisburgh. This revelation set the stage for a determined search effort that unfolded throughout the night.
At approximately 10:20 PM on Sunday, Middletown police formally alerted the Vermont State Police to the situation. The notification set in motion a coordinated response involving multiple agencies. Troopers from the New Haven Barracks, along with the Middlebury Police Department and the Vergennes Fire Department, were mobilized to assist in the search. The cooperation between these agencies demonstrated the urgency and seriousness with which the situation was being handled.
The search operation was further bolstered by the deployment of a drone operated by Middlebury police. This technological asset played a crucial role in locating the wreckage of the aircraft. At approximately 12:20 AM on Monday, September 9, 2024, the drone’s efforts bore fruit as investigators discovered the wreckage of the Piper aircraft in a wooded area to the east of Basin Harbor Airport. The challenging terrain and darkness of the night added complexity to the search, but the combined efforts of the various teams led to the tragic discovery.
The four victims were identified as Paul Pelletier, aged 55; Frank Rodriquez, aged 88; Susan Van Ness, aged 51; and Delilah Van Ness, aged 15. The initial investigation confirmed that all four occupants had perished at the scene of the crash. Their untimely deaths have left their families in profound grief, and the community is reeling from the shock of the loss.
Following the discovery of the wreckage, the bodies of the victims were carefully transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington. There, autopsies will be conducted to determine the precise cause and manner of death. The results of these examinations are eagerly awaited as they may provide critical insights into the factors that contributed to this tragic accident.
The investigation into the plane crash is ongoing, with authorities focusing on understanding the circumstances that led to the accident. Preliminary reports and the eventual findings will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future. The FAA and other relevant agencies will be meticulously analyzing every aspect of the flight, from mechanical integrity to pilot procedures, to uncover any potential causes.
As the community comes to terms with the loss of these cherished individuals, there will be a period of mourning and reflection. The lives of Delilah Van Ness, Paul Pelletier, Susan Van Ness, and Frank Rodriquez were tragically cut short, leaving behind grieving families and friends who will forever remember them. Their memories will be honored by those who knew and loved them, and the impact of their loss will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of being part of their lives.
In the wake of this tragedy, support and condolences are being extended to the affected families. Community members are coming together to offer their sympathies and to provide assistance during this difficult time. The profound grief experienced by the families is shared by the entire community, which stands united in mourning the loss of these four individuals.
The aftermath of this tragic accident will likely lead to a reevaluation of safety protocols and aviation practices. Ensuring the safety of air travel is of paramount importance, and this incident underscores the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards. The lessons learned from this tragedy will be crucial in preventing future occurrences and ensuring that the memory of Delilah Van Ness, Paul Pelletier, Susan Van Ness, and Frank Rodriquez serves as a catalyst for positive change within the aviation industry.
As the investigation continues and more information becomes available, the community remains hopeful for answers that will bring some measure of closure. The profound loss felt by the families and the community is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
