NEW YORK — Last weekend, Seuk Kim departed from Maryland on a flight that reflected his deep commitment to animal rescue, accompanied by three small dogs. This venture was part of his ongoing passion for transporting distressed animals from challenging situations, including overcrowded shelters and disaster zones, to rescue organizations. Over the years, Kim, who fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, rallied others in the aviation community to join him in these noble efforts.
Tragically, that flight to New York marked the end of Kim’s volunteer endeavors. Reports indicate that his 1986 Mooney M20J aircraft encountered turbulence, ultimately crashing in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains. The accident claimed the life of the 49-year-old pilot and one of the dogs onboard, while two others managed to survive and were recovering as of Tuesday.
“Seuk was one of a kind,” stated Sydney Galley, a volunteer who worked alongside him in rescue flights. “He had no ulterior motives and didn’t seek recognition; he was driven solely by his desire to help those in need.”
Among the surviving animals was Whiskey, a four-month-old Labrador mix found shivering in the snow with broken legs. At the Pieper Memorial Veterinary emergency and specialty hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, Whiskey was receiving care and awaiting surgery. Videos of the pup showed him enjoying affectionate interactions with the staff, clearly showing signs of recovery.
The second surviving dog, Pluto, an 18-month-old Yorkie mix, was discovered with minor injuries and by Tuesday was placed in the care of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley in New York, the intended destination for all three dogs. The group had also included a five-pound puppy named Lisa, according to Galley.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the cause of the crash remains undetermined, with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators currently at the site. Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky reported that visibility conditions on Sunday were poor, and Kim had sought to adjust his altitude due to turbulence shortly before the crash occurred in the early evening.
Despite the aircraft being equipped with emergency locating technology, it took rescuers several hours to reach the site, where it lay buried under about a foot of snow, a couple of miles from the nearest road. Kim resided with his wife and three children in Springfield, Virginia. Originally from South Korea, he embodied the essence of the American Dream, as described by his cousin Christine Kim, who noted his journey from humble beginnings to a life of kindness and service.
The Kim family paid tribute to his character in an online obituary, noting that he was “witty, spontaneous, and full of boundless generosity,” emphasizing his adventurous spirit and compassionate nature. From his background in public relations and marketing, Kim followed diverse interests including cooking and baseball, but his heart was set on flying.
Having embraced the world of aviation just a few years ago, he quickly became a dedicated volunteer, completing as many as three rescue flights weekly, while also coordinating efforts with fellow pilots. Galley reminisced about how he welcomed all challenges, from large dogs to messy situations, responding with enthusiasm whenever a request came in.
Earlier this year, one of Kim’s notable rescues involved “Connie the container dog,” who was discovered trapped in a shipping container in Houston. Additionally, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, he played a significant role in airlifting generators and supplies to areas hard-hit in western North Carolina, even acquiring a pickup truck to assist local farms.
Contributions from Kim were deeply felt within the animal rescue community. Penny Edwards of Forever Changed Animal Rescue labeled him “a huge asset not just to us, but to the entire rescue community,” voicing grief at his loss.
Maggie Jackman Pryor, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley’s executive director, highlighted his dedication over the years, recalling how he saved countless animals, including a dog and her five puppies from imminent euthanasia in an overcrowded Tennessee shelter.
On the day of his last flight, Galley noted that Kim had just picked up four dogs from a Virginia airport, where her husband had delivered them from Georgia. After he shared his excitement about landing a new job with a charter airline, he took off with the dogs toward their intended final destination in Albany, New York.
In a poignant reflection, Galley imagined that as the plane descended, he likely expressed his apologies to his cherished canine passengers. “He always put everyone else before himself,” she remarked, emphasizing the depth of his selflessness and caring nature.