Two Dogs Find Homes After Surviving Plane Crash That Killed Animal Rescue Pilot
On November 24, 2024, a small rescue plane carrying three shelter dogs crashed in upstate New York, tragically claiming the life of its pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim. Known for his tireless efforts in rescuing animals from high-kill shelters, Kim was on a mission to transport the dogs to safety when the crash occurred.
While one of the dogs, Lisa, did not survive, the two other canines—Whiskey, a Labrador retriever mix puppy, and Pluto—miraculously made it out alive.
Injured but Resilient: Whiskey’s Long Road to Recovery
Whiskey, just six months old at the time of the crash, suffered two broken legs. He was immediately taken to a specialized veterinary hospital in Connecticut, where he underwent multiple surgeries.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Whiskey has made a remarkable recovery. His foster family, deeply moved by his resilience, has decided to officially adopt him.
Pluto’s Fast Recovery and Forever Home
Unlike Whiskey, Pluto sustained only minor injuries. He quickly recovered and has since been placed in a loving home.
Honoring the Legacy of a Heroic Pilot
The third dog, Lisa, did not survive the crash. Her remains were given to the family of Seuk Kim, the fallen pilot who had risked his life to save her and countless other animals.
"He obviously cared enough about Lisa to risk his life on an expedition to save her," said Kim’s 16-year-old daughter, Leah Kim. "We just want to make sure she's being taken care of. We feel a responsibility to continue what he started."
Investigation into the Plane Crash
The aircraft, initially reported as a Cessna but later confirmed to be a Mooney M20J, was flying from Maryland to Albany, NY, when the crash occurred. According to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board, Kim had radioed air traffic controllers to report heavy turbulence at 5,000 feet. After descending to 4,300 feet, he indicated that conditions had improved, but he never made further contact before the crash.
Authorities confirmed that Kim was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Life Dedicated to Animal Rescue
Kim’s tragic passing has left a lasting impact on the animal rescue community. According to an obituary released by his family, "Seuk was a bright light in all our lives—witty, spontaneous, and full of boundless generosity. His laughter could fill a room, and his zest for life inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him."
Maggie Pryor, director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County, stated that Kim had saved hundreds of animals from euthanasia.
"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," Pryor said in a statement.
Kim’s final flight was part of a mission to rescue three dogs from a high-kill shelter and bring them to safety. Though he did not survive, his legacy continues through the lives he saved—including Whiskey and Pluto, who now have the second chance he fought for.
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