Pilot From Union Co. Among 4 Dead In Bequia Plane Crash

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A Springfield native living in Bequia has been identified as the pilot who died when his plane crashed into the sea west of Petit Nevis Thursday afternoon, also killing a father and his two young daughters, local authorities said in a news release.

The plane, heading toward St. Lucia, took off from the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm around 12:11 p.m. but experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean moments later, according to authorities.

The bodies of Robert Sachs — the pilot and a member of the Jonathan Dayton Regional High School Class Of 1970 — Christian Klepser, 51, and daughters Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 12, were recovered from the plane and the ocean by the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, authorities said.

Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm also reportedly rushed to the scene to help.

All four bodies were taken to St. Vincent on board the Coast Guard vessel and their causes of death will be determined by the Kingstown Mortuary, according to authorities.

"The [Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force] expresses condolences to all who are negatively affected by this tragic incident," the agency wrote, adding that the investigation is ongoing and more information will become available as the case unfolds.

Robert Sachs, also known as Bob Sachs, owned a scuba tour agency called Dive Bequia in Port Elizabeth, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines alongside his wife, Cathy.

Christian Klesper was an actor who went by the stage name Christian Oliver and appeared in movies such as "Speed Racer," "The Good German," and "Valkyrie," NBC News reported.