Two couples from Indiana were killed when their plane crashed off the coast of Venice, Florida after they flew in to have dinner with friends.
The single-engine plane crashed near the Venice Fishing Pier soon after takeoff on Wednesday evening on its way back to St. Petersburg, Florida.
Jeff Lumpkin, 64, an associate director at Raytheon, and his wife Patty Lumpkin, 68, of Fishers, Indiana, died in the crash.
Rick Beaver, 60, and and his wife Bethe, 57, of Noblesville, Indiana, were also killed when the plane went down.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene just after 9:30 p.m. following several 911 calls from witnesses who saw the crash.
Jeff Lumpkin, 64, an associate director at Raytheon, and his wife Patty Lumpkin, 68, of Fishers, Indiana, died when the plane crashed near the Venice Fishing Pier Wednesday night
Rick Beaver, 60, and and his wife Bethe, 57, of Noblesville, Indiana, were also killed in the crash
The single-engine plane crashed soon after takeoff from Venice, Florida on Wednesday evening as it prepared to head back to St. Petersburg, Florida
Officials said the crash happened about a half-mile from the pier in the Gulf of Mexico in about 25 feet of water.
The airplane left an airport in St. Petersburg and flew to Venice Airport, arriving around 5 p.m.
The couples then met with friends and had dinner at Sharky’s On the Pier restaurant. They left Venice Airport at approximately 9:35 p.m. and crashed into the Gulf soon after takeoff.
Jeff and Rick's bodies were recovered Wednesday evening, Venice Fire Rescue said.
The bodies of Patty and Bethe were recovered Thursday morning.
According to WTHR, the airport director said the plane did not undergo services at the airport or receive fuel while it was there.
Investigators have recovered video from the pier as well as footage from the cameras near the airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating what could have caused the plane to crash.
Officials said the crash happened around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday night about a half-mile from the pier in the Gulf of Mexico in about 25 feet of water
Investigators have recovered video from the pier as well as footage from near the airport
Tributes to the couple began to trickle out on social media on Thursday as the news of the crash came to light.
'I’m in shock. Going to miss you and Jeff. You both were full of life doing what you loved,' one loved one posted on Patty's Facebook.
Patty reportedly worked as a realtor. Her husband Jeff was an Associate Director at Raytheon in Indiana, according to his LinkedIn page.
The pair are pictured on Facebook flying in a private plane on February 12 with the caption: 'Flying to French Lick for Jeff’s BD and early Valentines Day.'
A friend wrote on social media: 'Our hearts are shattered, but we rejoice knowing we will see you again soon in heaven. Jeff and Patty Lumpkin heard our Lord say, "well done good and faithful servants." We love you and will hold memories of you close in our hearts.'
Bethe Beaver founded and owned Indiana Elite Cheer and Tumbling in Noblesville. Her husband Rick served as president of Beaver Construction Management. The couple is survived by a combined seven children and nine grandchildren.
Bethe Beaver founded and owned Indiana Elite Cheer and Tumbling in Noblesville. Her husband Rick served as president of Beaver Construction Management
Patty reportedly worked as a realtor. Her husband Jeff was an Associate Director at Raytheon in Indiana, according to his LinkedIn page
The cheer community posted their heartbreak on social media following the news of the loss of Bethe.
'I just can't seem to wrap my head around the loss of Bethe Horine Beaver. The cheer industry is small and mighty, and serving with Beth for the Midwest was one of my greatest honors and favorite memories of that season of my life,' one person said.
'Between our regional meetings in Chicago, the longest days at Worlds, the late nights at Rixs, and the guidance and support you gave me in the gym ownership world - your presence and kindness have made a mark on this world that will be mourned.'
Others posted pictures with the beloved coach from cheer meets and competitions throughout the years.
'She was so filled with life and was the kind of woman you know left an impression on everyone she met. She had a big heart, huge dreams and loved her Indiana Elite family. What a devastating loss for everyone who loved her and called her a friend.'
Another wrote: 'Bethe Beaver was cheer personified and she was all class! Lucky my girls got to learn cheer from her, and so much more!♥️'
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