The president of a Pennsylvania school board was killed in a small plane crash Thursday afternoon, the school district said in a release.
Sam Ganow, who was president of the Octorara Area School District School Board, was the only person aboard the plane when it took off from the Chester County Airport in Coatesville at 1:25 p.m., according to the district’s statement, the Associated Press and FlightAware, an online flight tracking website.
The plane traveled 5 miles in two minutes before crashing in a nearby neighborhood. Mr. Dent Inc., an auto repair business in Manheim, Lancaster County, is listed as the plane’s owner on FlightAware.
“Mr. Ganow was not only a dedicated member of the Octorara Area School District School Board but also a cherished and respected member of our community. Mr. Ganow served the Octorara community as a school board member for 26 years. His commitment to education and his tireless efforts to enhance the educational experience for our students made a lasting impact on our school district,” the school district’s statement said.
Ganow was a husband, father and grandfather and was an active member of his local church community. He has owned an equipment rental business for decades, the school district said.
The district said Ganow was also involved in the international skiing circuit, where he served as a judge for hundreds of ski events around the world. He also competed in several marathon races every year. He most recently completed the Disney Marathon in January.
“Details regarding memorial services and ways to express condolences will be shared with the community in the coming days. In the meantime, counselors and support services will be available at our schools for students and staff who may need assistance in coping with this loss,” the district’s statement said.
The cause of the plane crash has not been determined, but the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.
