MARIETTA, Ohio — An investigation is underway into how a small plane crashed in Marietta and killed two people, Eric Seevers and Tim Gifford. Two of Severs’ friends shared their memories.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, a small plane crashed into the Pioneer Buick GMC dealership parking lot in Marietta. The plane took off from Columbus and was headed to Parkersburg, West Virginia.
“[He was everything] from an accomplished musician, to a pilot, to a devoted father, but most importantly a good friend,” said Ronnie McCoy, a friend of two decades.
McCoy said he was texting Seevers Monday night, then he tried to reach out to Seevers Tuesday when he heard a plane had crashed.
“I text messaged him and tried to call him and he didn't answer either one and that's not like him and that's when I started to think that somethings wrong,” McCoy said. “He was always there for you, I could always call him at any time, if he wasn't available he always called me back. Those kinds of people are hard to find these days."
His friends said without Seevers, the world lost a devoted dad, a pilot, a talented musician and a friend.
“He started a KISS cover band because he just wanted to play more music, that's just who he was,” said Ric DeRubeis, a friend of almost two decades. “Finally I called the guys in [his] band and I just asked, ‘Is it true?’ and he said, ‘Yeah.'"
10TV was told by Columbus Fire that Seevers retired from the department back in May after serving 15 years. 10TV was told he worked for Liberty Township's fire department prior to that.