My dad died saving my life in plane crash after bear hugging me as we smashed into the ground, says girl, 11
AN 11-year-old girl has described the incredible moment her dad saved her life by bear-hugging her as their plane went down. Laney Perdue from Gaylord, Michigan, became the sole survivor of the tragic plane crash in Beaver Island that left four dead. The horrific accident happened back in November when Laney alongside her dad Mike, […]
AN 11-year-old girl has described the incredible moment her dad saved her life by bear-hugging her as their plane went down.
Laney Perdue from Gaylord, Michigan, became the sole survivor of the tragic plane crash in Beaver Island that left four dead.
The horrific accident happened back in November when Laney alongside her dad Mike, 43 and three other adults boarded a 20-minute flight to the island.
The plane smashed into the ground just three miles away from landing killing Mike, couple Kate Leese, 35, Adam Kendall and pilot William Julian, 55.
During an interview with People Laney recalled the moments before the crash.
She said: “I felt this feeling in my stomach like the plane just dropped and my dad had his feet out like he was bracing for something.
“The last thing I remember is my dad giving me the tightest hug ever. I’m alive because of him.”
Miraculously the little girl had survived with 11 broken bones and injuries to her lip and mouth- according to the first responders it was her dad’s hug that protected her from the impact.
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The 11-year-old was transferred to a hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she found out her father had died in the crash.
She added: “I kind of knew he had passed, but I wasn’t sure,” she said. “I just broke down crying.”
After undergoing surgeries on her jaw and foot, Laney was able to walk at her father’s funeral in December.
Laney’s mum Christie and three siblings Addie, Henrik, and Bo are determined to honour Mike daily and have started writing down memories of him in a book kept on the kitchen counter.
They are also planning to return to Beaver Island.
Christie said: “Years ago, he said, ‘Promise me if something ever happens to me, you keep coming to the island with the kids.’
“It’s the greatest tragedy and the greatest joy. We lost Mike, but we kept Laney.”
Laney described her dad as “the best girl dad” who “celebrated the little moments in life.”
She said: “Every day he would wake up and be like, ‘You guys are beautiful. You guys are special. He was amazing.
“I’m so sad, but I know Dad would want us to be okay. He would want us to live.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with expenses.