Saturday, August 23, 2008

A Tragic Plane Crash

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday, 22 August, a King Air 100, with ten aboard crashed shortly after take-off in Moab, Utah. The plane was in route to Cedar City, Utah. All on board died in the crash. The victims included nine associates of Southwest Skin & Cancer and the pilot. They had traveled to Moab early that day to provide cancer screening, cancer treatment, and other medical services to citizens in Moab. Southwest Skin & Cancer provided similar services to nine communities in Utah, Arizona and Nevada.

Message from the Ellsworth family:
It is with disbelief that we struggle to comprehend the events of yesterday. Our family has lost two dear members, each a husband and father. We appreciate the outpouring of love we’ve received from neighbors, family, and friends. Your prayers and faith are sustaining us. Thank you!!! Our belief in the truth that families can be together forever lightens this heavy load of sorrow. We will be reunited with Lansing and Dallin, of this we’re sure.

We have learned that the pilot was a skilled professional, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Surely he did all he could to bring his passengers safely back to Cedar.

Our hearts go out to the other six families who are mourning losses as well; each of them is in OUR prayers. These dedicated staff members gracefully accompanied Lansing as he traveled to rural towns outside of Iron County. They provided much needed dermatology care to patients who might otherwise have gone without. The loss of these medical providers will be felt far and wide. Their service will not soon be forgotten.

19 comments:

Sharps said...

I only know of your loved ones because of the care they have provided to me as their patient. I am deeply saddened by your loss. Your families have been in my thougths constantly. May peace and comfort somehow find its way into your lives. We will pray to Heavenly Father to help and strengthen you at this time.
Sharps

Bryce and Candice Blood Family said...

We are deeply saddened by your loss. We were in the Cove Ward with you 9 years ago and taught Marie in sunday school. You have a wonderful family, we remember you well. May the Lord bless and comfort you during this difficult time. You will be in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

To All Families Involved...
How tragic a loss. I am sorry for your pain, how horrible it must be to have to go through that. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Pam (Burgess) Farnsworth said...

Dear Ellsworth Family,
My deepest sympathies go out to you, at this time in your life at the death of Lansing. I knew Lansing from Mesa, Arizona, we went to school together from grade school all the way through high school, and graduated from Mighty Mesa High together. We were even in the same ward together while we were growing up. I am sure that Lansing will be greatly missed, but always remember that out Heavenly Father is there to comfort you during this difficult time you are going through. Also remember that our Heavenly Father is always just a prayer away, so talk with him often, he will give you comfort and peace of mind. Always remember that you will be able to be together once again. Sincerely, Pam (Burgess) Farnsworth

Anonymous said...

It is hard to find the words to convey thoughts and feelings at this time, but know that MANY hearts and prayers are with you and your families.

To my friend Dave: I’ll miss our talks. To Cecily - thanks for holding my hand when I needed a friendly face and reassurance. To Lansing- a great physician, father and husband to LynAnn - you will be missed deeply in our community. To Val - thanks for sharing your smile that brightens and lifts us all!

Anonymous said...

Tragic! I never knew any of these victims, however, I can't help but think that here we have a group of people doing something positive for those less fortunate just to die as they were returning. And to make matters worse, you have multiple members of 2 families. I'm a God-fearing woman but sometimes in tragedies like these I just don't understand why people like these have to die so tragically and ALL so young. I just can't understand it. May God bless their families. There are really no words that anybody can say that can give the families that these victims left behind any comfort.

Anonymous said...

I WAS A NEW PATIENT OF DR. ELLSWORTH IN MESQUITE, I AM TRULY SORRY FOR HIS LOSE, HE WAS A VERY KIND MAN. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. CAROLE WILSON, MESQUITE NV.

Anonymous said...

my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. i was a patient at the clinic in cedar city. i am truly saddened by your loss and want you to know that you our in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

Dear Families,
I was deeply saddened by your losses. As I sit by the computer reading about the accident, my 10 year old son, David said "We know how that feels". We, too, lost someone in an automobile accident in October of last year. My heart goes out to you and you are all in our prayers. I did not directly know any of your loved ones, but I know the niece and cousin of two of them. I can promise you that several things will happen. You will feel the Love and Comfort of Our Heavenly Father and Savior during this time period. They will not forsake you. Please cling to that fact and know that They and your loved ones are near. Families ARE forever and you will see them again and they are waiting for you on the other side. Your heart will break at times, but your hearts will also soar. Sweet memories will crowd your mind and you will be comforted. Your community and state are praying for you and this will also strengthen you when the times are tough. Asking why does not help much, but being still does. Know that you all are in many people's prayers and hearts and you are not alone. May Father's richest blessings be poured out upon you during this time and in the future while you carry on.
With love and understanding,
Drew and Jane Hyer and family

Helen Ellsworth said...

I knew Lansing and his siblings as young children. I haven't seen any of them but Rene in years. But have been friends with Lansings parents since I moved to Mesa in 1941. George Ellsworth, my husband, was his cousin and good friends. They belonged to a group of boys who had been a close gang all through shool. I learned to love and appreciate them all. My granddaughter, Jalyn Bertignolli called me easrly Saturday morning to let me know of the tragedy. I was shocked and so saddened to hear it. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Having been through saddness mysdelf I know a little of how you feel. I lost my dear husband of 62 years several years back and last year a daughter to cancer. I have found great comfort through the Gospel. I know I don't have to tell you that. I am grateful for sweet memories too.
You are in my prayers and I pray that He will bless you and give you comfort.

Love Helen Ellsworth

Anonymous said...

I was deeply saddened by the news when I heard it on TV. I was a patient of Dr. Ellsworth in Mesquite. He was concerned he couldn't do the procedure in his office and referred me to Dr. Miller. He personally called me back to explain why and said to let him know how everything goes after the surgery this Friday. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families.

Sanders said...

Our prayers are with you. We wish you deep healing.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I both received care from Dr. Ellsworth and David Goddard. They were both very kind and they will be missed greatly. Our prayers are with each of the families. We do not know the Lord's plan entirely except that he loves his children. There is a way for us to be with one another again because of that love. May the Lord's spirit be with each of you at this time, comforting you, and reminding you that Heavenly Father is with you and will not leave your side.
The Taylor Family

mom said...

LynAnn: We have wonderful memories of the Grant and Fern Ellsworth family, as well as your own family while part of the Lynn Rae Ward. Dene spent lots of time playing with Jenny back in the 80's. We are so sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ferrin/Matheson families. Doug and Susan

Anonymous said...

xmeTo everyone who lost loved ones,
Our thougts and prayers are with you. We loved the care we recieved in their care and wish their families the best.
Ben and Jillian and Amara

Brooks Family said...

I feel so sad at this loss to Cedar City. Dr. Ellsworth was my son's dermatologist and Marcie Tillery was my son's best friends mom. I did not realize until today that It was Matt's mom on that plane and I just stood in shock when My son told me "matt's mom died in a plane crash. But Matt's not sad anymore." It just about broke my heart. This family is a good friend of ours and I was devastated by the news.

Anonymous said...

Very sad tragedy. I have family that was close to some of them. The best to their families.

Photos & Pictures of Cedar City, Utah by CedarPix

Beth Herring said...

Kamber,
You don't know me, but your mom and I were friends way back when we were all stationed in Minot, ND together. Your grandmother, whom I have always called Aunt Patty, is so special to me. I just want you to know, that I am praying for you and your precious little boy. I know we don't always know why things happen, but we can trust that God is in control and He is still on the Throne. Praise the Lord! We can rest in the presence of Him and know that He will be there to meet us in our time of sorrow and loneliness.I pray the Holy Spirit will descend upon you and give you peace. Aunt Patty sent me a photo of your beautiful little one. I am praying for him and for you daily.

In His Grip of Grace,
Beth Herring

Natalie said...

Remembering the victims and families this day and always. May our Father in Heaven continue to bring us all the peace we need to continue our journey throughout our earthly life without them.

With Love,
Natalie Shumway