*Update: State Police investigation of plane crash in Union Vale*
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Richard L. Mazzone
Troop K Commander
Photograph courtesy of Lagrange Fire Department
**Update:
Union Vale, New York – August 18, 2019, the New York State Police have tentatively identified those involved in Saturday’s plane crash at 235 South Smith Road in the town of Union Vale.
The aircraft pilot was tentatively identified as Francisco Knipping-Diaz, age 61, of Woodemere, NY, who died at the scene. His two passengers were identified as Eduardo Tio, age 50, also of Woodemere, NY, and Teoflio Antonio Diaz Pratt, age 52, of the Dominican Republic, both of whom sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
At the time of the crash, the home at 235 South Smith Road was occupied by Gerard Bocker, age 61, who has been tentatively identified pending confirmation at autopsy. Also present in the home was Hannah Bocker, age 21, who was critically injured, and Sarah Bocker, age 30, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The New York State Police, NTSB, and FAA continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
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Union Vale, New York – August 18, 2019, the New York State Police investigating the fatal plane crash on South Smith Road in the town of Union Vale on August 17, 2019, confirm there have been two fatalities, and four injured individuals.
The aircraft pilot and one occupant of the residence were unfortunately found deceased. Two additional occupants of the aircraft sustained nonlife-threatening injuries. One resident of the house struck by the aircraft sustained life-threatening injuries, and the third resident present sustained nonlife-threatening injuries.
Additional updates will be made available as soon as they are available.
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The New York State Police and fire officials will hold a press briefing on Saturday, August 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Union Vale Fire House, 3373 Route 82, Verbank, NY, regarding the place crash that occurred earlier today on South Smtih Road in LaGrange, NY.
