SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A Springfield native living in Bequia has been identified as the pilot who tragically lost his life when his plane crashed into the sea west of Petit Nevis on Thursday afternoon. The incident also claimed the lives of a father and his two young daughters, according to local authorities.

The ill-fated plane, en route to St. Lucia, took off from the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm at approximately 12:11 p.m. However, it encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff and plunged into the ocean, authorities confirmed.

The bodies of Robert Sachs, the pilot and a member of the Jonathan Dayton Regional High School Class of 1970, Christian Klepser (51), and his daughters, 10-year-old Madita Klepser and 12-year-old Annik Klepser, were recovered from the wreckage and the surrounding waters by the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, officials stated.

Upon hearing the distressing news, fishermen and divers from Paget Farm swiftly rushed to the scene to offer their assistance.

All four bodies were subsequently transported to St. Vincent aboard the Coast Guard vessel, with their causes of death set to be determined by the Kingstown Mortuary, as per authorities.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force expressed their deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragic incident. They further assured the public that the investigation is currently underway, and additional information will be released as the case unfolds.

Robert Sachs, also known as Bob Sachs, was the proud owner of Dive Bequia, a renowned scuba tour agency located in Port Elizabeth, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines. He operated this business alongside his wife, Cathy.

Christian Klepser, who was an accomplished actor using the stage name Christian Oliver, had appeared in well-known films such as “Speed Racer,” “The Good German,” and “Valkyrie,” as reported by NBC News.