Three passengers were killed after the plane they were in crashed into the roof of a home in Hermantown where a couple was sleeping with their cat.
The Minnesota victims were identified as pilot Tyler Fretland, 32, Alyssa Schmidt, 32, and her brother Matthew Schmidt, 31.
Homeowners Jason and Crystal Hoffman were awakened when the aircraft crashed into the second floor of their home before falling in their backyard.
Speaking to MPR News, Hoffman said: “We couldn’t hardly see each other through all the insulation dust. I was able to grab a flashlight next to the bed and the first thing I saw was an airplane wheel sitting at the end of our bed.
“That’s when we looked out and noticed the entire back half of our house was gone.”
Jason and Crystal suffered minor injuries after the ceiling fell on them.
Hermantown Police Department said to Daily Mail that the cause of the fatal crash is still unclear and officers are still investigating the scene.
Pilot Fretland’s heartbroken friends took to social media and paid tribute to him, with one writing: “Such a tragedy to lose you today. Rest easy in the peaceful skies my friend, we will miss you.”
According to Fretland’s social media page, he earned his commercial certification in July 2021 and was eligible to apply as an airplane pilot.
While he raved about working for Delta Airlines, it is reported that the crash had no affiliation with the company.
Photos shared on Instagram showed that Fretland and Matt were friends.
One person shared photos on Instagram, writing: “Tyler and Matt, you will both be missed.”
Alyssa was also remembered b her friends as a ‘once in a lifetime’ type of person.
“There will never be another like her,” one friend wrote on Facebook. “Being your roommate was one of the best decisions I ever made. You’ve been there for me at my lowest lows and my highest highs. You’ve never missed any important days in my life, always right there by my side.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Recommended Video For You!
“High School Choir Sees Fallen Soldier’s Remains Being Escorted Off Plane, Breaks Into Hymn”