New Jersey family members identified as Harrietstown plane crash victims

HARRIETSTOWN | Authorities have identified three New Jersey residents, including a young toddler, as the victims in Monday night's tragic plane crash in the Adirondacks. New York State Police said Wednesday morning that the late-night crash victims were pilot Gabriel P. Jasper, 70, an accomplished physician and spine specialist from Toms River, N.J., and his daughter and granddaughter, Gabriella M. Hillgrube, 33, and Guiliana M. Hillgrube, 2, both of Forked River, N.J.  The three relatives were pronounced deceased at the scene after the plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Adirondack Regional Airport Monday night. A preliminary investigation determined that the 1976 Piper Aerostar departed the airport at approximately 10:36 p.m. Shortly after takeoff, when the aircraft was estimated to be about 100 feet above the ground, communication with the aircraft was lost. Wreckage of the plane and fiery crash were located a short time later, prompting a multi-agency response that remained in the area through Tuesday. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the ongoing investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration and the New York State Police.