More than a month after the plane crash that claimed the life of 61-year-old pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, his family has finally found closure after his body was discovered washed up on the shore.
According to IOL, a body was found on the shores of Plenty Beach in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 12 September.
While police have not yet formally identified the body, provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the deceased was found wearing a flight suit.
“The unidentifiable body was possibly washed out from the ocean and was wearing a flight suit.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that it could be the body of the pilot who crashed into the sea last month; however, formal identification processes will be conducted to ascertain the body’s identity”, said Robert.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) reported that the tragedy occurred during an airshow at Durban’s North Coast Beach on 14 August, when the aircraft crashed into the ocean during its final display around 2pm.
On Tuesday morning his wife Kayla thanked everyone who showed her and her family support.
“On behalf of Matt Blackwood-Murray (son), myself, and Andrew’s entire family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you for the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and condolences we have received”, said Kyla.
In a post on Instagram, Kayla shared a tribute to her husband and confirmed the date of memorial service, which will be held on 28 September 2025.
“Please join me in honouring my officer and gentleman, the love of my life and the person who gave me reason.
“He left in peace, he left me in pieces.
“I would so love to have you there to let him know what a hero he was and the hole he has left in all our hearts. Gone but never forgotten. The love of my life”, she wrote.
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First published by African Insider
Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
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