'No Words Can Describe Our Loss:' Gaithersburg Man

»Screenshot of Kenneth Gemmell’s Facebook page

The Gaithersburg man whose wife and two sons were killed when a private jet plowed into their house says no words can describe the loss he and his daughter have suffered.

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, authorities said. Montgomery County Police say they died of smoke inhalation.

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.

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

The mother and children were found in the second floor bathroom. Gemmell was lying on top of her kids apparently to shield her children from the crash and the fire, according to USA Today.

Media outlets, including The Washington Post and WUSA TV, say Ken Gemmell posted this message on Facebook:

“No words can describe the enormity of our loss and sadness over yesterday’s tragedy. We lost Marie, the love of my life and college sweetheart, and our two young, innocent and joyful sons – a loss that no person should ever endure. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and my daughter and I are appreciative for the prayers and well wishes from friends, neighbors and the community. We also appreciate the dedication and hard work of the firefighters, police and other first responders who did everything in their power to try to save my family during this horrific event. There will be a lot of grieving over the coming weeks, and we request that the media respect our privacy so I can provide my daughter with some degree of normalcy as we try to re-build.”

Fundraiser for Family’s Expenses

The outpouring of grief has spurred action. In Gaithersburg, the waitress at their favorite brewpub -- Dogfish Head Alehouse in Gaithersburg -- started a gofundme.com page that had raised nearly $230,000 as of 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“Marie was loved by many,” one poster on the gofundme page wrote in a note addressed to Ken and Arabelle. “I hope that you both feel that love and support in the days and years ahead.”

To donate to the gofundme effort, visit the Gemmell family page here.

Gentleman Jim’s restaurant at 18917 Earhart Court in Gaithersburg and Soldierfit Gym at 18945 Bonanza Way in Gaithersburg are taking donations for the family, as well.

See also:

• Stall Warning Preceded Gaithersburg Plane Crash: Official
• Passenger Identified in Plane Crash; Investigation Continues
• Mom, Two Children Die When Plane Hits Their House
• Death of Mom, Sons in Plane Crash Sends Shockwaves Through Community
• UPDATE: 6 Dead After Plane Crashes into Gaithersburg House: Reports