Tragic Loss of Seuk Kim

In a tragic turn of events, the family of beloved animal rescue pilot Seuk Kim, aged 49, was devastated by the loss of their husband and father, who perished in a plane crash on November 24 while transporting three dogs to a shelter in upstate New York. The heart-wrenching incident took place in Windham, as Seuk navigated his Mooney M20J aircraft from Maryland to Albany, committed to saving these innocent lives.

A Poignant Gesture

Compounding the family’s grief, they recently received the ashes of Lisa, one of the dogs tragically killed in the crash. This poignant gesture allowed Seuk’s family to honor his dedication to animal rescue, as they plan to lay Lisa to rest in their backyard—a symbolic act of love and remembrance. Seuk's daughter, Leah Kim, expressed her family's commitment to continue her father's mission: "We feel a responsibility to continue what he started," Leah shared in an interview. "He obviously cared enough about her to risk his life on an expedition to save her.

Seuk Kim's Dedication

Seuk was associated with the animal rescue organization, Pilots n Paws, which facilitates flights for pets in need. Following the crash, Volunteer Pilot Chris Moon flew Lisa's ashes from Albany to Virginia to be united with Seuk's family. Leah emphasized that having Lisa’s ashes delivered was a meaningful way to complete her father's mission and keep his spirit alive.

A Life Celebrated

An obituary for Seuk painted a vibrant picture of his life. He was not just a pilot but a bright light in his community—witty, spontaneous, and bursting with generosity. He became known for his courageous rescue efforts, having saved hundreds of animals from euthanasia due to overcrowded shelters. The director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County commended Seuk for his relentless dedication, stating he performed nearly two rescue missions a week after joining Pilots n Paws in 2022.

A Family's Heartache

Seuk's widow, Anna Kang, shared her profound sorrow on social media, remembering him as not only her life partner but also a devoted father. "He gained his angel wings doing what he loved,” she wrote, urging friends to pray for the family during this difficult time.

Continuing a Legacy

Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Leah stated that he embodied the spirit of joy and compassion, teaching others to live life fully and embrace happiness. "Over the summer, I flew a rescue mission with him," she recalled fondly. "He smiled every time he glanced back at the dogs—I've never seen him smile that much."

Community Mourning

As the family prepares for Seuk's funeral service, scheduled for December 5, the entire animal rescue community continues to mourn the loss of a selfless individual who dedicated his life to saving others. His legacy lives on, inspiring both those who worked alongside him and the countless animals they saved together.

A Hero Remembered

This tragic story serves as a reminder of the unexpected sacrifices made by those driven by love for animals and the profound impact one person can have on many lives. Stay tuned for further updates as the community honors a true hero in the world of animal rescue.