Four Florida Family Members Found Dead After Plane Vanishes Near Bahamas

A small plane carrying a Florida family went missing near the Bahamas on Monday while flying from Great Harbour Cay to Miami Executive Airport, according to multiple reports. The U.S. Coast Guard reported the aircraft went down about 15 miles off Andros Island and collaborated with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in the search. The plane's last contact was at 11:04 a.m., approximately 13 miles west of Andros Island. Scroll To Continue with Content The four people onboard were identified by family as Mario Lamar, 80, the pilot; his wife Lili Lamar, 79; and their grandchildren Sofia Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22. The family had spent the weekend at their second home in Great Harbour Cay and were returning to Florida. Silvi Larrieu, the pilot's niece, appealed for public help in a video, saying, "We're asking for everyone out there to please help, whether it's by plane [or] by boat. Any signs that you've noticed [could] help us find them and bring them back alive." Bahamas police identified the plane as a five-seat Piper PA-34 with tail number N212ML. The search was suspended due to poor weather conditions. On Tuesday, a civilian boat found the first body, according to family statements. The family confirmed all four occupants have been found deceased, with the search and recovery conducted alongside family members and civilians who responded to their call for help. In an updated statement, the family said, "It is with profound sadness that we confirm all four of our family members have been found deceased. Our relatives ultimately located our loved ones and had to bring them aboard their own vessels. We are now in communication and working with the U.S. Coast Guard to bring our loved ones home safely and with dignity." Larrieu described the pilot as a lifelong, very experienced flyer who maintained the plane in pristine condition and noted the family's deep connection to Great Harbour Cay, where they had spent many years. The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported losing contact with the plane about 13 miles west of Andros Island. The U.S. Coast Guard joined the search using an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft before poor weather forced a suspension of efforts. Family members expressed heartbreak and desperation, urging local boaters and fishermen to assist. The family also found debris from the plane during their search for survivors. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us, searched alongside us, and kept our family in their prayers," the family said, requesting privacy as they mourn their loss.