NEW YORK (AP) — Seuk Kim, a passionate volunteer pilot dedicated to rescuing animals in distress, took to the skies last weekend from Maryland with three small dogs on board. This flight marked yet another in his series of selfless missions to transport at-risk pets from locations plagued by disasters or overcrowded shelters.
After fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, Kim became a vital link in the rescue efforts for countless cats and dogs. He regularly coordinated with other aviators, ensuring pets in peril—like a dog trapped for days in a shipping container—found their way to safer surroundings through teamwork and compassion.
Tragically, Sunday’s flight to New York became his last. The aircraft, a 1986 Mooney M20J, crashed into the snowy Catskill Mountains, resulting in the death of the 49-year-old pilot and one of the dogs. Fortunately, the other two puppies survived the incident and were reported to be recovering well.
Among the survivors is Whiskey, a 4-month-old Labrador-mix with two broken legs, who is currently receiving treatment at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. Videos have shown the adorable pup getting some much-needed attention from staff members, enjoying belly rubs, and curiously observing while receiving care for his bandages.
The second survivor, Pluto, an 18-month-old Yorkshire terrier mix, was discovered with minor injuries and is now at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley in New York, the organization that was set to care for all three dogs. The third pup, Lisa, weighed only five pounds and was among those flying alongside Kim.
The circumstances of the crash remain unclear, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, as investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are combing through the site. Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky noted that visibility was poor that day, and Kim had sought altitude adjustments due to turbulence before the plane went down in the early evening.
Despite being equipped with emergency locator technology, it took authorities until late Sunday night to locate Kim’s plane buried in about a foot of snow in a remote area. Kim had moved to Springfield, Virginia, with his wife and three children, immigrating from South Korea with little more than dreams and determination, as his cousin, Christine Kim, expressed in a heartfelt Facebook tribute.
Described by family as “witty, spontaneous, and abundantly generous,” Seuk Kim was a person who blended a warm heart with an adventurous spirit. He worked in various industries like public relations and marketing, but his true passion lay in flying. Recently, he shared his excitement about landing a job with a charter flight company.
Kim became involved in rescuing dogs around four years ago, dedicating himself to the cause with remarkable commitment. He often completed as many as three flights a week, flying animals that others might overlook or hesitate to transport. His unwavering spirit and willingness to tackle any request, whether flying large dogs or handling pet accidents, earned him a reputation as a reliable and cheerful volunteer.
Earlier this year, he famously transported “Connie the container dog,” a canine discovered in a shipping container at the Port of Houston. Following Hurricane Helene, Kim played a crucial role in delivering supplies to communities in need in North Carolina and even purchased a pickup truck to assist farmers.
Penny Edwards from Forever Changed Animal Rescue remarked on Kim’s immense contributions, stating, “He was a huge asset to not just us but the whole rescue community.” Kim’s legacy is characterized by his impact in saving hundreds of animals, including a mother dog and her five puppies whom he flew to safety.
On the day of the crash, Kim had just picked up four dogs at a Virginia airport, where his wife’s husband had transported them from Georgia. After expressing his enthusiasm about his new charter job, he took off, dropped a larger dog in Maryland, and set off towards Albany with the remaining two. His friend Galley reflected on his selfless nature, believing he would have apologized to the dogs as the plane descended.
In her words, “He always put everyone ahead of himself.”
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Associated Press writer Cedar Attansio contributed.
