KENT, Wash. — The pilot who crashed a seaplane when landing on Lake Meridian in Kent on Saturday has died, according to Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.
Captain Alan L. Williams, who was the only person in the plane, died on Thursday, less than a week after the crash.
"Alan was a career pilot with a highly decorated 55-year career in aviation," his family said in a statement. "His love of flying was only surpassed by his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a selfless person who was always there to help those around him. Like the love he showed others, our heartbreak cannot be put into words."
Fire officials said 74-year-old Williams attempted to land the seaplane on the lake on Saturday morning when it flipped upside down. Neighbors who rushed to help him and a Kent police officer, who was taken out on the lake to the crash site by a neighbor, dove down to rescue Williams.
Two firefighters and the officer took turns diving down to the cockpit, eventually breaking it open and locating Williams, who was unconscious, and began CPR.
Williams died Thursday surrounded by his wife, their four sons, family and loved ones, according to Pat Pawlak, public information officer for Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.
Williams' family said thanks to the efforts of Puget Sound Fire, Kent police and neighbors, "because of their combined efforts, and the amazing care provided by the staff at Harborview Medical Center, we were given a few more days with him."
Cellphone video shows neighbor Dan Young and his family rushing toward the seaplane they saw crashing into Lake Meridian on Saturday morning.
The Youngs were not the only neighbors trying to help. Others were calling 911 and diving into the water too. Some shuttled first responders to the scene.
"Brought out a police officer who dove in and tried to open the door,” Young said. “Others brought paramedics and firefighters from other neighboring docks."
KING 5 Reporter Brady Wakayama contributed to this story.