The grieving father of a young pilot who died over the weekend after her plane crashed has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter.
Melanie Georger, a 26-year-old skydiving pilot who was 'on the cusp' of fulfilling her lifelong ambition of becoming an airline pilot, sadly passed away on Saturday (20 July) after a catastrophic plane crash.
A statement released by Niagara County Sheriff's Office said that the New Yorker had been driving a single-engine Cessna across an area of land close to the waterfall tourist hotspot just minutes before her tragic death.
On that fateful day, Melanie released a batch of skydivers before 'heading back to land', when the aircraft she was flying crashed on the Niagara Scenic Parkway, 15 miles from Niagara Falls.
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The pilot - who'd been working for Youngstown adrenaline-seeking firm Skydive the Falls prior to her death - had been the only individual on-board the flight at the time of impact.
Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti subsequently told WIVB: "Where it landed was just off the parkway. We look to the west near Fort Niagara, it’s full of soccer players today.
"We’re lucky where it landed, but it is an unfortunate incident."
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The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the incident and the official cause of the fatal crash is currently pending investigation.
Following the devastating loss, Melanie's father, Paul, has shared a heartbreaking tribute in his daughter's honour, describing her as his 'beloved daughter, best friend and one of the two lights of my life'.
He added on Facebook: "Melanie was a pilot, on the cusp of realising her dream to fly for the airlines. She was doing what she loved, flying for a local skydiving company, when her plane crashed.
"She had discharged her passengers and was flying back to pick another load when she crashed. Kelli, Tim and I are devastated. She was only 26."
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Paul continued: "My life is much darker today and will remain so for a long time.
"To my tweety pie, my girlie, my beloved and my heart, I’m already looking forward to the day that we reunite and I will have a huge hole in my heart and a never ending ache until then.
"Stars and butterflies, my love."
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Rhiannon Ingle