Identities of victims in horror Catalina Island plane crash revealed

The two victims who died after their small plane crashed on Catalina Island this week have been identified.

Daniel Sarner, 51, and Robert Cox, 54, were both killed when their two-seat plane slammed into a remote stretch of the island off Los Angeles on Thursday, the LA County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to KTLA.

Their 2014 Solaris Aviation Sling 2 went down around 12:30 p.m. near the city Avalon, crashing into a rugged ravine on the island’s south side.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department received reports of the crash and responded alongside county fire crews. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

FlightAware data shows the plane took off from Zamperini Field in Torrance at 10:53 a.m. and was last tracked near Avalon at 11:13 a.m.

Officials said there was no indication the pilot intended to land on the island, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported.

Records indicate the aircraft had been flown nearly daily before the crash, including recent trips to Catalina and San Diego County.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

FAA records list the plane as registered to a Rancho Palos Verdes resident, but officials have not confirmed whether the owner was on board, KTLA reported.

“This is a tragedy and my heart goes out to the loved ones of those who lost their lives,” said LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I am grateful to our paramedics and Sheriff’s deputies who quickly reached this remote area and are handling this incident with professionalism and care.”

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