Upstate NY Plane Crash Claims 3 Generations of Family

A 70-year-old doctor, his 33-year-old daughter, and his 2-year-old granddaughter were killed in a small plane crash in upstate New York on Monday night, authorities and reports said.

Dr. Gabriele Jasper, an award-winning spine doctor and anesthesiologist, was piloting the twin-engine airplane when it plummeted into the woods near Saranac Lake shortly after 10:30 p.m. He lost contact with ground communication after reaching just 100 feet in altitude. The aircraft, a 1976 Piper Aerostar 601P, was destroyed by the fiery impact.

Dr. Jasper, of Toms River, founded the Jasper Spine Institute, which has two "state-of-the-art" facilities in Brick and Milltown, according to the practice's website. He was known to frequently post on Facebook about his love for adventure, including his expeditions to the Adirondacks and his passion for Formula 1 racing. His family, including his granddaughter Guiliana, was often featured in his social media posts.

Gabriella Hillgrube, Dr. Jasper's 33-year-old daughter, worked for her father at the Jasper Spine Institute, as reported by Patch. She often posted adoring photos on social media, smiling with her daughter, Guiliana, and her husband, Tyler. Friends and colleagues are mourning the loss of Dr. Jasper, who was described as a "very good friend" and "one of the top endoscopic surgeons in the world for spinal stenosis and disc degeneration." Chris Alderucci, a friend and former co-worker, wrote on Facebook: "He lived his life in a fast lane as he loved to race cars, ride his motorcycles and boats. He loved his airplane and helicopter. But most of all he loved his life and his family and friends. He was one of the most genuine surgeons that cared about his patients and the staff that worked with him."

The tragic crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The loss of Dr. Jasper and his family has sent shockwaves through the medical community, where he was respected for his expertise and dedication to his patients. The investigation into the cause of the crash will be closely watched as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding this devastating tragedy.

Source: NYPOST