Southend plane crash: German doctor named in tributes

The scene at Southend Airport where four people died when a plane crashed shortly after take off <i>(Image: PA Wire)</i>
The scene at Southend Airport where four people died when a plane crashed shortly after take off (Image: PA Wire)
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A GERMAN doctor among four people killed in a horror plane crash at Southend Airport has been named locally for the first time in heartfelt tributes paid to him.

Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, has been named by emergency rescue stations he worked for as one of the four people who died onboard the medical transport plane which crashed shortly after take-off on Sunday afternoon.

According to German media outlets, Dr Eyl primarily worked in the rescue service in the Montabaur, Dernbach and Dierdorf areas, but also regularly worked with the Hachenburg, Bad Marienberg, Diez, Bad Ems, and Nassau rescue stations. 

The Diez rescue station shared a heartfelt tribute to Dr Matthias Eyl, describing him as a "fantastic person, true friend, and ever-decorated EMT".



 

They said he leaves a big gap, adding that their thoughts are with his family and "beloved son".

DRK Ortsverein Bad Marienberg also shared their own tribute to Dr Eyl, sharing how he had been with the service over many years as a "reliable doctor and special person". 

An English translation of the tribute reads: "With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community.

"He was a man who listened, tackled and encouraged. His commitment was not taken for granted, his loss is immeasurable."

Two Dutch pilots and Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German nurse born in Chile who was on her first day as a flight nurse, were also among those on board.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for Maria's family.

It is understood the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands.

Zeusch Aviation, which owns the plane based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected.”

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