Mayor: City's Thoughts, Prayers Go Out to Gemmell Family

»Screenshot of Marie and Ken Gemmell from his Facebook page.

Gaithersburg’s mayor has offered his condolences to the families of those killed in Monday’s plane crash, which cost the lives of a Gaithersburg mother and her two sons, as well as the three people in the aircraft.

A twin-engine 10-passenger plane crashed Monday near houses on Drop Forge Lane near Blue Smoke Lane, killing three people in the plane, as well as the Gemmell family. The crash site is less than a mile from the Montgomery County Airpark.

Marie Gemmell, 36, and her sons, Cole Gemmell, 3, and Devon Gemmell, 1 ½ months, were all killed in their house in the 19700 block of Drop Forge Lane in Gaithersburg, authorities said. A fuel-laden wing of the plane set their house on fire; Montgomery County Police say they died of smoke inhalation.

Gemmell’s husband, Kenneth, 36, was at work, and their 5-year-old daughter, Arabelle, was at school at the time of the crash.

An online fundraiser via a GoFundMe account to help Ken Gemmell and his daughter, Arabelle, had more than $390,000 raised by nearly 8,000 donors by Thursday morning.

In his statement, Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman noted that Ken Gemmell had served on the city’s Environmental Affairs committee for several years, and volunteered as an assistant coach in the city’s soccer program.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett spoke at a briefing about how gratifying the response, both locally and beyond, has been to help the Gemmell family.

“It demonstrates that people are really touched and saddened by what has occurred. … And without the family literally reaching out and asking for help, the community has stepped forward,” Leggett said. “So, it says a great deal about our community, our sorrow, and our commitment to look out for our fellow residents. I’m really moved by the fact that people have moved so quickly to do so in such a generous way.”

As a way for people to share their thoughts and prayers, Ken Gemmell has created a Facebook page, Prayers for Ken Gemmell and Family, where the public can post messages.

Following is Mayor Ashman’s full statement:

On behalf of the elected officials, staff, fellow volunteers and residents of the City of Gaithersburg, our heartfelt condolences are extended to Ken Gemmell and his family for the tragic loss of his wife, Marie, and two sons, Devin and Cole.

We also offer our sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of pilot Dr. Michael Rosenberg and passengers David Hartman and Chijioke Ogbuka.

Ken very generously gave of his time and talent when he served on Gaithersburg’s Environmental Affairs committee for several years. Joined by his wife and daughter, Arabelle, Ken actively participated in public outreach efforts to encourage others to participate in recycling and other sustainable practices. Ken also enriched our community by serving as an assistant coach for a City of Gaithersburg soccer program in which Arabelle participated.

Those who volunteer to make this a better place for future generations are forever part of the Gaithersburg family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ken, Arabelle, and all of their friends and family. An entire community shares your grief, and offers you its embrace.

We are aware of a GoFundMe account that has been established for the Gemmell family. Should you wish to offer your support, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/ig5cc8.

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