Canadian family of 5, including 3 children, identified as victims of plane crash on Nashville highway

Victor and Rimma Dotsenko and their three children — Emma, ​​Adam and David — were named as victims of Monday's accident.

The five passengers who died Monday when a small plane crashed on a Nashville highway have been identified.

Canadian couple Victor Dotsenko, 43, and his wife Rimma, 39, as well as their three children David, 12, Adam, 10, and Emma, ​​7, were named victims of the accident by the mayor of King Township, Steve Pellegrini, in a statement. statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

“This is a heartbreaking and devastating loss for our close-knit community,” the statement read in part. “We mourn together the loss of Rimma Dotsenko, her husband Victor and their three children, and offer our support to all those affected by this tragedy. »

The children's school, UMCA Rich Tree Academy, located in Vaughan, Ontario, also shared its grief in a statement posted to its Instagram Story on Wednesday.

Calling the Dotsenkos “a beloved family at our school,” the school said “these beautiful children brightened our halls every day.” They all had such positive energy and attitude towards their friends and teachers.”

“Rimma and Victor have always been very close to the UMCA family and we will miss them greatly,” the statement added.

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“Words cannot express the deep sadness and grief we are experiencing as we mourn the loss of the Dotsenko family,” the statement continued. “This heartbreaking tragedy has left us all in shock, and our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“As a close-knit school community, it is important that we come together to support each other in times of grief,” the statement added. “Staff at our school will be able to provide support and advice to any students who may be struggling to cope with this loss.”

The school also shared a photo of the family of five with the caption: “No words can describe the loss felt by the UMCA community 🤍🤍🤍.” »

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The family of five died when their single-engine plane crashed Monday evening on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 in Nashville, according to a job from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department on X (formerly known as Twitter).

In traffic camera images broadcast by BNO Newsthe plane is seen hitting the side of the highway before catching fire.

According to the Associated Press and CNN, the pilot said the plane had an engine failure during an emergency call to Nashville's John C. Tune Airport around 7:40 p.m. local time.

According to media reports, police department spokesman Don Aaron said the pilot was given the green light to make an emergency landing. However, shortly afterwards he reported that he would not be able to reach the airport.

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Citing radio recordings of the incident, Canadian media outlet CityNews reported that the pilot told air traffic controllers that his engine had stopped and that he flew over John C. Tune Airport.

“I’m at 1,600 (feet). I'm going to land. I don’t know where,” Victor said, according to the outlet. “I’m too far away, I won’t make it.”

According to the media outlet, Victor obtained a private pilot license at Brampton Flight Center in 2022.

Authorities said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board would investigate the crash.

“While we await further details on the ongoing investigation, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Mayor Pellegrini’s statement continued. “We also express our gratitude to the first responders and officials involved in the response and investigation.”

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