Megan Hilty has suffered an unimaginable loss after her pregnant sister Lauren Hilty, brother-in-law Ross Mickel, and nephew are presumed to be dead after a plane crash near Seattle.
The incident is said to have happened on Sunday (August 4) in Washington state's Puget Sound. The float plane was carrying nine adults and one child, including the Smash actress' three family members.
In a recent press release, the US Coast Guard released the names of the passengers - naming pilot Jason Winters and passengers Sandy Williams, Joanne Mera, Patricia Hicks, Luke Ludwig, Rebecca Ludwig, and Gabrielle Hanna as those missing.
The statement also noted that the body of one passenger had been found on Sunday evening but had not yet been identified.
The remaining nine passengers, despite still being missing, are presumed to be dead. Commander Xochitl Castañeda, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for the incident, said in the statement: "The Coast Guard offers its deepest sympathies to those who lost a loved one in this tragedy."
At the time of the body's recovery, the US Coast Guard tweeted: "Cutters Osprey and Blue Shark crews will remain on scene throughout the night searching for the 9 individuals on the seaplane. Temporary Flight Restrictions have been established by the FAA First-light searches set to resume on Labor Day by 2 US Coast Guard aircraft and crews [sic]."
Hilty's brother-in-law, Ross Mickel, was an established wine-maker and owned his own winery, Ross Andrew Wineries, per People. His family released a statement regarding the incident, saying: "We are deeply saddened and beyond devastated at the loss of our beloved Ross Mickel, Lauren Hilty, Remy and their unborn baby boy, Luca.
The statement continued: "Our collective grief is unimaginable. They were a bright and shining light in the lives of everyone who knew them. Although their time with us was too short, we will carry their legacy forward."
After covering countless miles, the US Coast Guard tweeted on Monday (August 5) that they had ended their search at noon that day, writing in multiple tweets: "The Coast Guard has suspended its active search for the remaining nine missing individuals effective at noon. Coast Guard assets completed 26 search sorites, covering 1,283 linear nautical miles and saturating an area of more than 2100 sq. nautical miles."
"All next of kin have been notified of this decision. Our hearts go out to the families, loved ones and friends of those who remain missing and the deceased," they added.
Hilty is a well-respected stage actress appearing in NBC's musical Smash as Ivy Lynn, as well as the Broadway productions 9 to 5: The Musical, Wicked, and Noises Off - People covered her Tony award glam after receiving a nomination for the latter.
She has not yet released a statement surrounding the tragic plane crash on Sunday.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Megan Hilty, Ross Mickel, and the other passengers who were onboard the plane.
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