National Transportation Safety Board Investigators begin work Sunday following a fatal plane crash Friday in Western Kentucky.
The twin engine plane crash killed Marty and Kimberly Gutzler, their 9-year-old daughter Piper and her 14-year-old cousin Sierra Wilder. Seven-year old Sailor Gutzler survived and walked nearly a mile before reaching a home to report the crash and seek medical attention for her minor injuries.
The family is from the small town of Nashville Illinois. Their pastor Matthew Wietfeldt says the community of 3,200 people outside St. Louis is mourning its loss.
“You could say that they’re one of the pillars of the community,” he said. “This is a devastating loss and something that’s going to rock us to our core but we’re going to rally around young Sailor.”
Nashville Schools Superintendent Mike Brink says the kindergarten through 8th grade system plans to have six grief counselors on hand when students return to class Monday.
A statement from the Gutzler family has asked for prayers and privacy. Sailor has been released from the hospital, and no funeral arrangements have been set for her family.
NTSB officials plan to hold a press conference Sunday. They have two days to conduct an investigation.
