An Indiana couple and their two dogs died in a plane crash on Sunday morning, November 26, in western Michigan.
The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from the Mason County Airport near Ludington, a city situated along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, about 80 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.
The victims, identified as Randy Strebig, 60, and Allison Wheaton, 43, both hailing from Indiana, were aboard a single-engine Socata TBM 700 aircraft. The plane reportedly banked hard to the north following takeoff, later crashing into a field and bursting into flames. The crash occurred around 10 a.m., according to Michigan State police.
Strebig and Wheaton, who were married in September after 18 years together, were visiting family in the Ludington area over the weekend. They were en route to the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport in New Mexico when the accident occurred. The couple was known for their adventurous spirit and compassionate nature. Strebig was an enthusiast of extreme sports, including barefoot skiing and skydiving, while Wheaton was celebrated for her deep love of animals, particularly horses.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board are involved in the investigation of the crash. While the FAA confirmed the plane’s intended destination, the cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Authorities are examining factors, including the potential impact of snow and low visibility at the time of the crash.
Multiple agencies, including the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Life EMS, Ludington Fire, and Hamlin Township Fire, responded to the incident. Strebig, Wheaton, and their pets were pronounced dead at the scene.
Friends and colleagues of the couple have expressed deep sorrow over their passing. Chuck Walker, a business partner, reflected on the couple’s generous nature, stating, “Randy and Allison were givers in our society, and if you got to know them you were better off for it. We will miss them.” The International Seaplane Fly-In community also paid tribute to the couple, highlighting their kindness, compassion, and charitable involvement.