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'Doing something they love': sister of Texan golfer killed in plane crash deals with shock loss

The sister of American tourist Gregory DeHaven who was killed in the Essendon plane crash said her brother, a former FBI agent, would have thought the fatal accident on a trip of a lifetime was "a good way to go".

The twin-engine aircraft crashed into the Essendon DFO shopping centre shortly after takeoff on Tuesday morning, killing the pilot and his four American passengers.

Pilot Max Quartermain, and passengers Russell Munsch, Glenn Garland, John Washburn, and DeHaven were all aboard the Beechcraft Super King Air headed for King Island, Tasmania.

Their wives, who were also in Victoria on the holiday, planned to take a trip to the Great Ocean Road while the men took their King Island golf trip.

The friends were on a three-week Australia and New Zealand trip. Their wives planned on a trip to the Great Ocean Road while the men were golfing. Picture: Supplied
The friends were on a three-week Australia and New Zealand trip. Their wives planned on a trip to the Great Ocean Road while the men were golfing. Picture: Supplied
Pilot Max Quartermain, and US citizens Russell Munsch, Greg DeHaven, Glenn Garland and John Washburn, were all on board the aircraft when it crashed. Picture: 7 News.
Pilot Max Quartermain, and US citizens Russell Munsch, Greg DeHaven, Glenn Garland and John Washburn, were all on board the aircraft when it crashed. Picture: 7 News.
The plane crashed into the Essendon DFO shortly after takeoff, and exploded into a fireball.
The plane crashed into the Essendon DFO shortly after takeoff, and exploded into a fireball.

Speaking to 7 News’s affiliate network NBCU, Denelle Wicht said her brother's children were in "severe shock" after receiving the tragic news.

Ms Wicht revealed her and Mr DeHaven's father had also died in a plane crash.

She explained the trip was “a very big deal” for her 70-year-old bother, a retired FBI agent from Texas, and his friends and their wives.

“It was people doing something they love," she said.

“I think he would appreciate that they were all doing something that was so fun for them as a group of friends. And I do think that if he had to go out, this would be a good way for him.

“He would hate all this hoopla about him. He would not like it because he was very private guy but he was a great guy and he was really, really well-liked."

A retired FBI agent who joined the PGA Seniors golf tour

In his retirement Mr DeHaven found a new lease on life as an avid golfer and played on the PGA Seniors tour.

"He’s a retired FBI guy so he was always closed-mouth and did his job," his sister said.

"But since retirement and with her [his second wife’s] love and care he’s gained more faith and appreciation in life and with people."

Most of touring group were from Spicewood, near Austin in Texas. They planned to travel across the country and to New Zealand over three weeks.


Gregory DeHaven pictured with Denelle Wicht and their other sister. Pictures: Supplied
Gregory DeHaven pictured with Denelle Wicht and their other sister. Pictures: Supplied
In his retirement Gregory DeHaven found a new lease on life as an avid golfer and played on the PGA Seniors tour
In his retirement Gregory DeHaven found a new lease on life as an avid golfer and played on the PGA Seniors tour
Glenn Garland was the former CEO of smart energy company CLEAResult. Picture: Supplied
Glenn Garland was the former CEO of smart energy company CLEAResult. Picture: Supplied

Mr Garland was the former CEO of smart energy company CLEAResult, and staff were "heartbroken" to hear of his death.

"Glenn was an inspirational leader who co-founded our company with a unique vision for the vast potential of the energy efficiency industry," CLEAResult said in a statement.

Co-Founder and board Member Jim Stimmel called Mr Garland a "visionary and a close friend".

"I am devastated to hear of his passing and my heart and thoughts are with his family, we have all lost an incredible man," he said.

Crash investigators to report in 28 days

Essendon Fields airport CEO Chris Cowan said on Wednesday the airport has been temporarily closed to aviation traffic, aside from essential emergency services in respect of the victims.

Max Quartermain, 63, was the pilot killed in the tragic crash. Picture: C&L Aviation.
Max Quartermain, 63, was the pilot killed in the tragic crash. Picture: C&L Aviation.

Mr Cowan said full cooperation would be offered to the team investigating the incident.

Victoria Police confirmed it would be working closely with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Essendon Fields Authority as crash investigations continued.

Investigators will begin to collect eyewitness accounts, recovering CCTV, social media streaming and collating relevant evidence and Victoria Police will assist with including maintenance records and other aircraft data.

A public preliminary factual report will be presented within 28 days.

A public preliminary factual report will be presented within 28 days. Pictures: 7 News
A public preliminary factual report will be presented within 28 days. Pictures: 7 News

Greg Hood, ATSB Chief Commissioner said investigators were in the “gathering of evidence phase” and thanked the first responders and Essendon Fields staff who assisted and responded quickly on Tuesday.

“The ATSB has a team of four safety transport safety experts on site," he said.

“As Australia’s ‘no blame transport safety investigator’ we won’t be participating in any speculation.”

Victorian Police Superintendent Michael Frewen said Victoria Police and the State Government had a "key role" in maintaining the welfare of the victims’ families.

“We are working closely with the US consulate and multiple victim support services. We have senior ranking representatives that are are with the family working through the difficult time with them.”

The wives of the victims have been asked to remain in Melbourne longer to assist with investigations.

John Washburn was one of the victims killed in the plane crash. Picture: Family
John Washburn was one of the victims killed in the plane crash. Picture: Family
John Washburn, pictured with his family. Picture: Family members
John Washburn, pictured with his family. Picture: Family members

White House press secretary Sean Spicer spoke in the US, saying President Trump’s thoughts and prayers were with the families of the victims.

“And the US embassy and consulate are ready to provide necessary and appropriate assistance,” he said.

Anyone with further information regarding the safety of the aircraft or the flight, or video evidence is urged to email atsbinfo@atsb.gov.au or call 1800 020 616. Counseling services is available for those affected by the incident by calling (03) 9948 9300.