Liron and Naomi Petrushka killed in a plane crash near the California-Nevada border amid a snowstorm. (Facebook)
A tragic plane crash claimed the lives of a tech entrepreneur and former professional soccer player, along with his wife, near the California-Nevada border on Saturday evening. Liron and Naomi Petrushka were aboard their single-engine Socata TBM9 when it crashed close to the Truckee Tahoe Airport around 6:40 p.m. The couple, who resided in California, leaves behind three children.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing event, with nearby resident Susan Bower describing the aircraft's unnervingly low pass followed by a deafening impact. Fortunately, no residential properties were harmed, though repairs were needed for the nearby railroad tracks. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were challenging, with heavy snowfall limiting visibility to approximately half a mile.
According to reports, Liron, who was piloting the plane, was in communication with radar controllers in Oakland regarding the adverse weather conditions during the flight. Despite these challenges, the couple's plane departed from Centennial Airport in Denver, bound for Truckee.
Liron, aged 57, had been associated with UpWest, a Silicon Valley company, where he worked as a partner before transitioning to an advisory role. The company expressed profound grief over the loss, highlighting the Petrushkas' significant contributions to its growth and success. Liron's professional journey also included stints as a tech entrepreneur and angel investor, as detailed on his LinkedIn profile.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Liron had a notable background in soccer, having been associated with the Hapoel Ramat Gan Givatayim club since his youth. The team's chairman, Einav Hazanvald, fondly remembered Liron's involvement and achievements within the club, both as a player and a cherished member of the community.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are set to conduct investigations into the crash, aiming to determine its cause.
The untimely demise of Liron and Naomi Petrushka has left a void in their community, with tributes pouring in from those who knew and worked with them. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on honoring their memory and supporting their grieving family in this difficult time.
