A tragic plane crash on Saturday in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, claimed the life of Terry Dolan, a prominent banking executive, when his aircraft collided with a residential home.
The Daily Mail reported that the incident involved only one passenger and ignited a severe fire, though no residents were injured.
Terry Dolan, aged 63, served as the Vice Chair and Chief Administration Officer of US Bancorp. A seasoned veteran of the banking institution since 1998, Dolan assumed his most recent role in 2023.
The crash transpired at approximately 12:30 PM. The aircraft, identified as a Socata TBM 700, had taken off from Des Moines International Airport, aiming for Anoka County-Blaine Airport to the north of Minneapolis.
Upon impacting the home, the aircraft instantly burst into flames. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the accident, focusing on several factors that could have influenced the devastating outcome. These include weather conditions, pilot experience, and technical aspects of the aircraft.
According to initial reports from the NTSB, it is believed Dolan was the sole occupant of the plane. U.S. Bank also confirmed that the aircraft was registered to Dolan, adding weight to the assumption of his presence onboard.
Given his leading role, Dolan was deeply involved in corporate strategy, marketing, and community initiatives within US Bancorp, enhancing the corporation's outreach and philanthropic endeavors.
The statement from US Bank expressed a mournful tone, acknowledging Dolan's probable involvement in the crash while extending thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and those affected by the incident.
"We are aware that the plane that crashed in Brooklyn Park on Saturday afternoon was registered to Terry Dolan, our vice chair and chief administration officer. At this time, the medical examiner's office has not been able to confirm whether he was on board, but we believe he was," said U.S. Bank.
The company also expressed relief that the incident did not result in any injuries to occupants of the impacted home, and offered gratitude towards the first responders for their swift action and service during the crisis.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends, and anyone who may have been affected by yesterday's tragic incident. We are grateful that there were no injuries to residents of the home that was impacted by the crash, and we thank all the first responders who have provided service," the fire chief added at a press conference.
Residents and emergency teams were quick to address the unfolding catastrophe, which helped avert any human casualties on the ground despite the extensive property damage and loss of a valuable community member in Dolan.
The University of St. Thomas, where Dolan earned his bachelor's degree, is among the institutions that have publicly lamented the loss of one of their distinguished alumni, reflecting on his contributions to both his professional field and the communities he served.
Investigations by the NTSB continue, as the exact factors leading to the crash remain under meticulous scrutiny. Understanding these will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future and in providing closure for those affected by this tragic event.
As the investigation progresses, further details will likely emerge about the conditions leading up to the crash and any preventative measures that might be enacted to ensure safer skies. The local community, still reeling from the shock, hopes for answers and measures that will forestall such tragedies in the future.