Newlywed couple described as ‘compassionate and charitable’ die along with their two dogs after their plane crashed in a snowstorm just after take-off for flight to see their family
- Allison Wheaton, 43, and Randy Strebig, 60, died in a crash near Ludington
A newlywed couple described as ‘compassionate and charitable’ have died along with their two dogs after their plane crashed in a snowstorm shortly after take-off for a flight to visit their family.
Allison Wheaton, 43, and Randy Strebig, 60, died in the crash near Ludington, Michigan.
The plane crashed Sunday shortly after takeoff from Mason County Airport, killing the couple known to many in the Lake James community.
Police say they were called to the scene around 10 a.m
Leaders of International Seaplane Fly-in in Maine shared an emotional message about the couple, noting that they were valued members of the fly-in community of flying enthusiasts who arrive by private plane.
Allison Wheaton, 43, and Randy Strebig, 60, were valued members of the fly-in community
Emergency services at the scene of an accident in Ludington, Michigan
The scene of the crash. Police say they were called to the scene around 10 a.m
They said the couple was known for flying into Greenville from Indiana every year.
“They were also known as kind, compassionate and charitable individuals who were always willing to step in at a moment’s notice to get things done,” the post reads.
Strebig was the founder of Strebig Construction in Fort Wayne, a home renovation, roofing and concrete company.
Wheaton was the executive director of Summit Equestrian Center and worked on issues affecting American veterans and equine initiatives.
She facilitated the programming through her organization’s equine therapy group, The Cavalry, which helped veterinarians with trauma healing and PTSD.
Footage shared after the deaths showed Strebig carrying an elderly woman through the water after giving her a ride in his seaplane at the fly-in he created a few years ago.
Leaders of International Seaplane Fly-in in Maine shared an emotional message about the couple, noting that they were valued members of the fly-in community
The Allen County Board of Commissioners said in a statement: “The Allen County Board of Commissioners was saddened to learn of the tragic loss of two important Allen County figures: husband and wife, Randy Strebig and Allison Wheaton.
“Randy Strebig founded Strebig Construction 43 years ago. His locally owned business has helped build Allen County’s economy. Hiring and generating business revenue locally, helping local businesses and organizations build and expand, has had a positive impact on our region. He was a great community partner and will be greatly missed.
About Allison it said: ‘Her broad smile, work ethic, genuine compassion for people and animals and dedication to former service members will not be forgotten.’
Commissioner Rich Beck said, “Both Randy and Allison were great individuals. They were community-minded, caring and genuine.”
He added, “Allison built The Cavalry from scratch into a program that helped vets in the dark side of their lives realize that life is worth living. That’s how impactful her program was. Our desire is to see this continue.”