A couple who owned a restaurant in Danbury is feared dead after their plane disappeared on approach to Danbury Airport and crashed into a reservoir in North Salem, New York.
Family members believe Val and Taew Horsa were flying the plane when it crashed on Thursday afternoon.
The couple owned Bangkok Restaurant, a Thai restaurant in Danbury. Taew Horsa was also the head chef. A closed sign was posted in the restaurant's window on Friday. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton says it was the first Thai restaurant in the area and immensely popular.
“Val and Taew were living the American Dream. They had a vision to build a restaurant, they opened it 30 years ago, built it up, got a four-star rating because of the culinary delight that it was.” He said. “It's a huge loss for the community, for Danbury and the greater Danbury area, and our business community. Certainly we extend our condolences to the family as well for this tragic loss,” he added.
Crews have recovered some remains from the reservoir, officials said.
A wheel and part of a seat from the plane were also retrieved from the reservoir, which was covered in oily sheen from the aircraft.
A New York City Department of Environmental Protection spokesman said divers and helicopters spotted the plane's debris on Friday in the Titicus Reservoir in North Salem, New York, in Westchester County, which is around a 20-minute drive from the airport.
Local
Adam Bosch said the 1971 Cessna was on a landing approach when it lost radar contact with Danbury Airport late Thursday afternoon. He said the single-engine aircraft originated in Danbury, flew to Mississippi and was returning when it vanished.
The remains will be turned over to the Westchester County Medical Examiner for official identification, officials said.
