A sombre air enveloped the neighbourhood north of Toronto, where a modest yet burgeoning memorial, adorned with bouquets and teddy bears, took shape outside a family home. The community mourned the tragic loss of the Dotsenko family, consisting of Victor Dotsenko, 43, his wife Rimma, 39, and their three children: 12-year-old David, 10-year-old Adam, and seven-year-old Emma. Their lives were tragically cut short in a devastating plane crash near downtown Nashville, leaving the tight-knit community reeling in disbelief.
Victor, a member of the Brampton Flying Club, was piloting the single-engine aircraft when it went down alongside a highway. The family, who were the sole occupants of the plane, resided in King Township, a peaceful community nestled just north of Toronto. Their sudden and untimely demise has sent shockwaves throughout the region, leaving neighbours like Anne and Leo Amore grappling with profound sadness.
Describing the Dotsenkos as a cherished part of their community, the Amores expressed their devastation, highlighting Victor's passion for tinkering with cars and boats. Fond memories of driveway conversations painted a picture of a loving family whose absence now leaves an irreplaceable void.
Anne Amore fondly recalled the vibrant personalities of the Dotsenko children, who brought joy to all those they encountered. Their untimely passing has left not only their school community at UMCA Rich Tree Academy in mourning but also the broader township, where they were deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Alina Pinsky, co-director of the school, spoke warmly of the children, describing them as bright, energetic, and beloved by all. David's wit, Adam's passion for chess, and Emma's kindness endeared them to their peers and teachers alike. Their parents, actively involved in school events, further endeared themselves to the community, making their loss all the more profound.
The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of support from local officials and dignitaries, who have extended their heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and community. As investigations into the crash continue on both sides of the border, the true cause remains shrouded in uncertainty, leaving behind a community grappling with profound grief and disbelief.