Family killed in light plane crash in Somerset named

Four members of the same family who died in a light aircraft crash have been named by police.

Pilot Philip Garvey, 56, his wife Ann, 55, their daughter Emily, 23, and son Daniel, 20, died in the incident which happened just before 11.45am on Saturday.

The family, from the Woking area of Surrey, were killed when the six-seater aircraft. came down near Churchinford in the Blackdown Hills south of Taunton, Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police said the plane has now been recovered from the field for further examination.

A force spokesman added: "We're continuing to work with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)."

Police earlier said that 27 fire and rescue personnel plus specialist vehicles were sent to the scene, along with ambulances, the local air ambulance and a police helicopter.

Speaking yesterday, Supt Richard Corrigan, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "We have a specially trained family liaison officer supporting the affected family and they're being kept fully updated on our progress.

"Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.

"A joint investigation is under way with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

"The focus of the activity will be investigative inquiries and then recovery of the aircraft.

"Road closures remain in place around the crash site."

Francis Harrington, the parish priest at St Dunstan's Church, Woking, said: "It's a tragedy. A huge tragedy. The whole area and the whole parish is devastated.

"Nobody can get their heads around it. They were a lovely family and were highly respected. What can we say? Why do these things happen? I don't know. We will have to wait for the official report.

"Philip was very involved with the music at mass, where he played the guitar. I have known him for around 20 years and I have seen the family grow up. They were a lovely family. Sociable, pleasant, very nice. They will be sorely missed."

Julianne Birch, the headteacher at St Dunstan's Catholic Primary School in Woking, said: "Mr Garvey was one of our foundation governors until 2014 and Emily and Dan both came to St Dunstan's School before going to St John the Baptist school.

"We are just absolutely stunned, shocked and deeply saddened."

In a letter to parents, she writes: "Phil Garvey was one of our foundation governors. He was a tremendous help and support to our school team during the school's expansion.

"He used to play the electric guitar at school productions and it is absolutely tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the remaining family members."

A statement released by St John the Baptist School (SJB) in Woking read: "The SJB community is in shock as it tries to come to terms with the tragic loss of two beautiful young people, Emily and Daniel Garvey, who were students at SJB between 2004 and 2013.

"The tragic accident also claimed the lives of their parents Philip and Ann Garvey.

"The family was highly regarded within the SJB community, Emily and Daniel were two of the nicest and kindest young people you could ever wish to meet and were extremely well liked and respected by their peers.

"Philip and Ann Garvey supported the school in every way, not only in the interest of their own children but also devoting their time supporting the school as a whole even after their children had left.

"Philip was involved both in supporting our Year 13 students with interview preparation and offering current Year 11 and 12 students work experience at his company - they will be sorely missed.

"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with their remaining family members."