Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby die in fatal Haiti plane crash

Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby die in fatal Haiti plane crash

Fatal Haiti plane crash death of Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby – Obituary

Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby, pilots with the Venice, Florida-based humanitarian group Agape Flights, were confirmed dead after their cargo aircraft went down in the mountainous region of Haiti. The organization announced the loss in a statement, saying the crash claimed the lives of both men while they were carrying out a mission of service.

Agape Flights reported that contact was lost with their Embraer 110 Bandeirante aircraft, tail number N316AF, on February 5. Search efforts continued into the following day, when the wreckage was discovered near Jeremie, Haiti. Officials have not yet released details about what caused the aircraft to crash.

The twin-engine turboprop was regularly used by the ministry for regional cargo operations supporting humanitarian work. Recovery teams later confirmed there were no survivors.

Patrick Decker had been part of Agape Flights for nearly a decade after moving to Florida, first volunteering as a pilot before continuing his service with the organization. Prior to that, he spent more than 40 years flying for United Airlines. One of the highlights of his career came when he captained a flight alongside his son, who served as first officer. Beyond aviation, Decker dedicated five decades to firefighting and once served as fire chief in Sparta, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathy, and their two adult children.

Kory Elleby joined Agape Flights eight years ago, shortly after relocating to Venice with his wife, Ruthie. Flying was a lifelong passion for him, one he pursued even before earning a driver’s license. Alongside his aviation work, Elleby co-founded Sunshine Electrical Services, Inc., growing it from a small operation into a well-known local business. He was a devoted husband and father to two grown sons.

Agape Flights described both men as more than pilots, calling them brothers whose lives were defined by faith, service, and compassion. The organization said its staff and supporters continue to mourn the loss as they remember the impact Decker and Elleby made through their dedication to helping others.