Rhode Island Man at California aircraft crash with father, dog killed

(Wjar) – A small plane crash, in which a father, son and her dog were killed in a quarter of South California, sends shock waves to New England, where the victims had profound personal and professional ties.

Ventura County's medical examiner identified the victims as 69-year-old Paul Berkovitz and his 36-year-old son Matthew Berkovitz.

Her family dog ​​Brody was also killed when the RV-10 of a one-engine plunged shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday shortly after 2 p.m. in two houses in the 200 block of the High Meadow Street in Simi Valley.

According to the FAA, the aircraft from William J. Fox aircraft started in Lancaster and drove towards Camarillo Airport.

Audio from the air traffic control captured the pilot's last moments in which he reported problems with steering the aircraft. Moments later the plane disappeared from the radar.

Witnesses said that the aircraft circled the area several times and bumped into and out in clouds before they slammed into the houses and burst into flames.

Officials say that both houses were occupied at that time, but the residents have made it safely.

One house was marked red and the other was marked yellow yellow due to fire and structural damage.

Matthew Berkovitz had local connections to Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

His mother Cheryl Ferreira has been a long -time employee in the Swansea Country Club, who shared this message on Facebook:

“With a heavy heart we share the tragic news about the loss of Matthew Berkovitz, the son of our beloved colleague, friend and family member Cheryl Ferreira and her husband Mike Devane.

We are destroyed by the loss of Matt, who was not only a friend with a quick smile and the willingness to always help, but also contributed significantly to improve the Swansea Country Club through its work on the new terrace, the processed bar and golf operation.

While your first instinct may be to reach Cheryl and Mike, we kindly ask you to respect your privacy in this unimaginably difficult time. “

The Berkovitz family also published an explanation:

“Our family is broken with a broken heart, the loss of our beloved family members, Paul Berkovitz, his son Matthew Berkovitz (36 years old) and Paul's dog Brody at the tragic plane crash on Saturday, May 3, in Simi Valley, about a passionate pilot and a lifelong animal lover. Our family will not give any interviews or in the future.”

Both Paul and Matthew were long -time volunteers with pilots and paws, a non -profit organization in which private pilots use their aircraft to fly animals from crowded accommodations to adoptive houses across the country. Paws New England, a local animal rescue group that often coordinates with pilots and paws, said how much their work meant.

“They are very selfless people who not only donate time, but also a considerable amount of money for flight animals that cannot help themselves,” said Nick Huckaby, a volunteer from New England.

His wife Alicia added: “This loss is devastating. These pilots are such an important part of the rescue community, and it is not a big network. Your absence will be felt deeply by so many animals.”

Paws New England has used pilots and paws for flight animals across the country, especially for urgent medical cases and puppies that cannot certainly take long-distance floor trips.

Alicia says that the organization is dependent on pilots such as Paul and Matthew to do what would otherwise be impossible.

“Her reach was not only geographically – she was deeply personal. These were people who really made a difference,” added Alicia.

Paul Berkovitz was also the former owner of Bow WoW Bungalow, a popular facility for dogs and daycare centers in Burank, California.

The business published this warm tribute:

“We are deeply sad about experiencing the tragic death of Paul Berkovitz, the former owner of Bow WoW Bungalow, during a plane crash in California.

Paul was a passionate advocate of animals and sold Bow WoW -Bungalow to realize his dream of saving dogs through the aviation. His commitment, compassion and adventurous spirit left everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.

Our hearts are with everyone who knew and loved Paul, as well as those who mourned the loss of his son Matthew and his beloved dog glaze, Brody, who were also lost in the accident.

In the name of the destination of Destination Pet and The Bow Wow Bungalow, we expand Paul's family, relatives and the community that he has influenced so positively. We are working on a meaningful way of honoring Paul's memory and legacy at Bow Wow Bungalow.

At the moment we just pause to think about the remarkable life of someone who really distinguishesNCE. “

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate the incident.

The preliminary report of the FAA is expected to be published within 30 days, but a complete report could take up to two years before it has been completed.