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July 30, 2014 - On Sunday a Piper PA-28-181
Archer II aircraft, N8826C piloted by Karl
Kokomoor, 57, a private pilot had contacted air
traffic control at Venice Municipal Airport
(KVNC), in Venice, Florida in which he stated he
and his passenger David Theen, 60, were
experiencing engine problems and would not be
able to make the airport.
Kokomoor decided to make an emergency landing
after an engine shutdown on Caspersen Beach. As
the Archer came in for touchdown, about 2:45 PM,
the plane struck and killed Ommy Irizarry, 36
and seriously injured his 9 year old daughter,
Oceana Irizarry.
9 year old Oceana Irizarry was taken to the
hospital in serious condition. It was reported
that the father and daughter were walking along
the beach collecting seashells. The pilot and
his passenger were able to walk away from the
plane uninjured. They were on a short
sightseeing trip when the plane lost power.
It was further reported that other family
members were at the beach at the time, luckily
they were unharmed. On Tuesday Sarasota County
Sheriff's Office, reported 9 year old Oceana
Irizarry had died from her injuries.
On Tuesday, Kokomoor released a statement
through his pastor which read "Words cannot
express the sorrow I feel over the loss of
Ommy Irizarry this father, and soldier and
his beautiful daughter Oceana. I send my
heartfelt apologies to the Irizarry family
for my role in this tragic accident.
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