Actress Megan Hilty’s pregnant sister and brother-in-law die in tragic floatplane crash-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

(Picture: Getty / Instagram)

Megan Hilty and her family have faced a huge loss after her sister, Lauren, died in a tragic plane accident, beside her husband, Ross Mickel, and their young son, Remy.

The Detective Pikachu actress’ sibling and her loved ones were among the 10 passengers on board a floatplane on September 4, when it crashed into Puget Sound, in Washington.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) responded to the accident and began an extensive search for the victims, which has now been called off.

TMZ reports that Lauren – who was pregnant at the time of the accident – had been identified with her partner, noted winemaker Ross, and their son Remy.

Patricia Hicks, Sandra Williams, Rebecca Ludwig, Luke Ludwig, Joanne Mera and Gabrielle Hanna were also named, as was pilot Jason Winters.

Megan has not yet spoken of the tragedy on social media, but Ross’ family shared a heartbreaking statement with King 5.

Lauren could be seen posing at the back of a sweet snap with her sister Megan (R) (Picture: Instagram)

‘We are deeply saddened and beyond devastated at the loss of our beloved Ross Mickel, Lauren Hilty, Remy and their unborn baby boy, Luca. Our collective grief is unimaginable,’ they said. ‘They were a bright and shining light in the lives of everyone who knew them.

‘Although their time with us was too short, we will carry their legacy forward. We want to thank all the first responders, emergency service agencies of Whidbey Island, Island County, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), and the private citizens who participated in the search and rescue efforts following the crash.

‘The enormous outpouring and support we have received from our friends, family, and the public has been overwhelming. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who also lost loved ones on-board. At this difficult time, we are requesting that our privacy be respected as we grieve the loss of our family members.’

A huge search was launched after the floatplane crash (Picture: AP)

The names of the victims have now been released (Picture: AP)

The Washington State Wine Commission added in a separate message: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news about Ross Mickel and his family. Ross had an incredible impact on the Washington wine community and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones as they navigate this extraordinarily difficult time.’

The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter floatplane was flying out of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and was reportedly heading to Renton, Washington, when it crashed in the Mutiny Bay area on Sunday afternoon.

This sparked a huge search with the USCG dispatching rescue helicopters, boats and aircrafts, spanning the nearby area.

More: Trending

However, the mission concluded with only one victim’s body being recovered – the National Transportation Safety Board will now launch an investigation into what caused the crash.

‘It is always difficult when it comes time to make a decision to stop searching,’ Captain Daniel Broadhurst of the Coast Guard said in a release.

‘The hearts of all the first responders go out to those who lost a family member, a loved one, or a friend in the crash.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Mariah Carey regrets wearing high heels to theme park and, well, we could have told her she might

MORE : Little Mix’s Jade Thirwall drops clue she’s behind Masked Dancer’s Scissors

Entertainment – MetroRead More