Tragic Plane Crash Near Catalina Island Claims Five Lives
A devastating plane crash near Catalina Island has claimed the lives of five individuals, leaving a community in mourning and aviation officials working to uncover the cause of the tragic accident. The victims, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office and aviation authorities, include Ali Reza Safai, 73, of West Hills; Haris Ali, 33, of Fullerton; Margaret Mary Fenner, 55; and Gonzalo Lubel, 34. The fifth victim, a man in his 30s, has yet to be publicly identified as officials work to notify his next of kin.
The small aircraft, which had taken off from Catalina Airport in Avalon, crashed shortly after departure, adding to the tragedy surrounding what was supposed to be a routine flight. According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) preliminary report, the accident occurred during takeoff. The plane had previously flown from Santa Monica Airport earlier in the evening, leaving at approximately 5:45 p.m. before embarking on its final journey toward Catalina Island.
Authorities were first alerted to the crash when the Avalon Sheriff’s Station received a 911 SOS notification from a cell phone belonging to one of the passengers on board. The GPS coordinates provided in the distress signal led search and rescue teams to the crash site, located about one mile west of the airport. It was there that responders discovered the wreckage, with no survivors among the five people aboard the plane.
As news of the crash spread, so too did the heartbreak felt by the families and friends of those on board. Ali Reza Safai, the 73-year-old registered owner of the aircraft, was a beloved figure in his West Hills community. Known for his passion for flying, Safai had earned a reputation as a cautious and experienced pilot. His love for aviation was well known, and it was a passion he shared with his fellow passengers, who were also deeply connected by their shared enthusiasm for flight.
Haris Ali, a 33-year-old from Fullerton, was described by friends as an adventurous spirit, someone who seized every opportunity to explore and embrace life. His family and friends are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of a man who lived life to the fullest.
Margaret Mary Fenner, 55, was another of the victims whose loss has sent shockwaves through her community. Known for her kind heart and warm personality, Margaret was a beloved mother, friend, and colleague, leaving behind a grieving family who are struggling to come to terms with her untimely death.
Gonzalo Lubel, a 34-year-old man, was also among those who perished in the crash. His friends remember him as a bright, compassionate individual with a love for adventure and flying. Gonzalo’s infectious enthusiasm and kind nature made him a beloved figure among those who knew him, and his loss has left a profound void in the lives of his family and friends.
The identity of the fifth victim, described as a man in his 30s, has not yet been released by officials, as they continue to notify his family. This tragic delay has only added to the anguish felt by those who are anxiously waiting for closure.
As the families of the victims mourn the loss of their loved ones, the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. While no dense fog advisories or extreme weather conditions were reported in the area at the time, officials are exploring other potential factors, such as mechanical issues or human error, that may have contributed to the accident.
The small island airport at Catalina is known for its challenging runway, perched high above the surrounding sea and flanked by steep terrain, making takeoff and landing particularly difficult. Investigators are likely to consider the airport’s unique conditions as part of their ongoing inquiry into what went wrong during the fatal takeoff.
For now, the small communities tied to the victims are left grappling with the immense pain of their loss. Tributes have begun pouring in on social media, where friends and family have shared memories of the victims’ warmth, generosity, and zest for life. As the investigation continues, the families of the five individuals lost in this tragic crash can only wait for answers, while honoring the lives of those taken far too soon.
In the face of such a sudden and shocking loss, the thoughts and prayers of many are with the victims’ families as they navigate the heartbreak of this tragedy
