Family of six killed in Florida swamp plane crash

Stock photo, Florida swamp: Rex

A prominent Kansas businessman, his wife, and their four children have been killed in a plane crash in Florida.

Their small plane crashed into a swampy area called the Tiger Creek Preserve on Thursday, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Officials said the plane was at about 26,000ft when it started experiencing trouble.

Ronald Bramlage, 45, was piloting the plane, which was flying from the Bahamas to Junction City in Kansas.

The family had stopped for customs in Fort Pierce, Florida, and had been flying for half an hour from there before the crash.

The cause of the crash is as yet unknown, and an investigation will be carried out by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Parts of the plane were reportedly found two miles from the crash site, which was only accessible by helicopters and all-terrain vehicles.

Ronald Bramlage was a prominent businessman in Junction City, and owned Roadside Ventures LLC. Him and his wife, Rebecca, 43, were both graduates of Kansas State University, and members of various associations linked with it.

According to Business Week, a joint statement released by University President Dr. Kirk Schulz and Athletics Director John Currie said."We are shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the deaths of Ron and Becky Bramlage and their children today.

"The Bramlage family holds a special place in the history of Kansas State University and K-State Athletics, and Ron and Becky have been loyal supporters and great fans of K-State. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bramlage family during this difficult time."

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