Jamaican family in mourning
Published:Friday | February 13, 2009 | 6:28 PM
At least one Jamaican family is now in mourning following last night\'s deadly plane crash in New York.
The crash claimed the lives of 49 people aboard Continental Connection flight 3407.
One person was killed on the ground after the plane crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York state, and burst into flames.
Among the victims were Jamaicans Danny Mossop, 42, his wife Dawn, their son Shawn, 13 and Dawn’s sister, Ferris Reid.
Jamaica\'s Ambassador to the United States Anthony Johnson has described the crash as unfortunate.
Norris Coke, who is married to another of Dawn\'s sisters, said the family is shaken up by the tragedy.
The Massops lived in New Jersey and were on their way to vacation with another family member in Canada.
Dawn, who along with Danny, Shawn and Ferris visited Jamaica in December, made her last telephone conversation to the island on Thursday.
US President Barack Obama expressed sadness and congratulated Americans for responding bravely to avert any further loss of lives.
Reports are that the Q400 Bombardier turboprop aircraft crashed into the town of Clarence Center, New York, about five minutes before it was due to land at Buffalo airport.
The Wall Street Journal quoted Laura Brown, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration, as saying that there was no distress call in the seconds before the crash.