Authorities have identified the three victims of the Boca Raton plane crash that occurred on Friday, April 11. Brooke, 17, Stephen, 54, and Robert Stark, 81, were killed in the crash. They were a three-generation family: daughter, father, and grandfather.
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According to a Boca Raton Police Department release, the incident took place on April 11 at around 10:13 a.m. The Cessna 310 that had the Stark family aboard presented "trouble maintaining control" shortly after departing Boca Raton Airport.
The plane continued to circle the surrounding area. However, shortly after, the plane crashed onto some train tracks along Military Trail near the Glades Road overpass, as per the release. A vehicle on the ground, a 2017 Toyota Prius driven by sole survivor Pablo Tafur, 24, lost control amid the crash and hit a tree.
"Once the flames were around it, [I] slammed my brakes and tried to get out of the way," Tafur told CBS News. "I'm just lucky to be here - not my day today, somebody is looking out."
Wtiness Dillon Smith told ABC News that he saw the plane flying "extremely low" and that tit almost hit the roof of a building.
A Three-Generation Family
CBS News does not address the relationship between the victims. However, WPTV shared a news release issued by the Stark family members. In it, they confirmed that Rober, Stephen, and Brooke were grandfather, father, and daughter.
Both Robert and Stephen were pilots.
"Robert was adventurous, kind, adored his family and started his business from the ground up," the statement reads. They described Stephen as a "father and husband first, passionate musician, hilarious and kind man who made every room feel like the exact place you wanted to be." Finally, Brooke was described as a "brilliant student and kind-hearted friend, who would have gone on to change the world with her bright smile and smart wit."
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer addressed the incident by issuing a statement.
"We are deeply saddened to confirm that a plane crash occurred earlier today within our community," Singer said. "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. We ask for patience and respect for the families involved as investigations continue."
