Methuen Plane Crash: Former Newburyport Mayor Dies After Crashing Into Condo

METHUEN, MA — A pilot was killed in Methuen Tuesday after crashing into a condominium complex on Riverview Boulevard. No one in the condo complex was hurt, police said.

The pilot was identified as Al Lavender, who served as Newburyport mayor from 2000 to 2002.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash.

The plane crash was reported at approximately 1 p.m. at the Prides Crossing Condominiums at 1 Riverview Blvd.

Methuen Police and Fire discovered a single engine, propeller-driven airplane had crashed into the roof of building No. 7.

The building was on fire, but firefighters were able to confine most of the damage to the attic and top floor.

The 12-unit building houses 34 residents, none of which will be able to return to the building this evening. The City of Methuen, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army are assisting displaced residents.

The plane was on final approach to land at Lawrence Municipal Airport, where the plane is registered, officials determined.

Newburyport Mayor Donna D. Holaday issued the following statement:

“I am extremely saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Al Lavender.

Al was an active member in the Newburyport community and in city government. He served as mayor from 2002 to 2003 and was a city councilor at large for the eight years prior to serving as Mayor. Al loved working for the City of Newburyport and he was loved by our community. He collaborated with staff members from all departments and recruited skilled key staff, several of whom I am fortunate to still have working for the city. Al shared his vision for Newburyport, and employees enjoyed working with him on a daily basis.

Al was known by everyone as a kind, even-keeled man whose number one priority was family. He and his wife Betty were inseparable and could frequently be seen at numerous events around the city. Al joined the City’s School Building Committee to help move forward the vote on two school projects and the senior community center. Al really wanted a senior center for our community and I am pleased that wish was fulfilled.

Since the beginning of my career as an elected official, Al was key to encouraging me to run for city council. I would not be mayor today if it was not for his candid support over the years.

Our community has suffered a tremendous loss today and our thoughts and prayers are with the Lavender family, I ask the news media to please be sensitive to the family’s wishes for privacy.”

• This story will be updated