An Arkansas-based environmental consulting firm, Environmental Consulting Arkansas, lost its executives in a plane accident shortly after taking off from Little Rock on Wednesday. They turned to social media to identify their victims on Thursday.
CTEH posted on Twitter, “It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the loss of our colleagues – Gunter Beaty and Kyle Bennett, Micah Kendrick Sean Sweeney, Glenmarkus Walker” They were valued members of our team, and the CTEH family.
It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of our colleagues – Gunter Beaty, Kyle Bennett, Micah Kendrick, Sean Sweeney and Glenmarkus Walker. They were valuable members of our team and CTEH family. pic.twitter.com/PWkfcgIdMc
— CTEH (@CTEHLLC) February 23, 2023
Authorities said that the twin-engine Beech BE20 was carrying five men and was headed to Columbus, Ohio. It crashed just a few miles from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.
CTEH was the firm that provided these men with environmental consulting services to businesses, communities, and governments.
According to the company’s website, Kendrick (41), was a safety supervisor who has experience in real-time air monitoring during chemical releases.
CTEH stated that Bennett, a 36-year-old staffing manager who focuses on logistics, has had experience responding to train derailments and crude oil releases.
CTEH stated in an email that Beaty (23), was a product safety manager; Walker (32) was a rapid response; and Sweeney (64) was the pilot.
According to a company spokesperson, the plane was carrying employees, including the pilot. The explosion occurred at a Cleveland-area metals factory this week, killing one worker and sending over a dozen others to the hospital.
According to The Associated Press, the National Weather Service stated that wind gusts up to 40 mph were possible during the thunderstorms that caused the crash.
Residents near the crash site reported seeing intense flames from it.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAR) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating.
