Family remembers seaplane pilot

The family of Neil Lunt, the pilot of the 1956 Brooks Seaplane that collided with a Cessna 206 over Lake Coeur d’Alene on July 5, is remembering him as father, husband and all-around family man in a statement released over the weekend.

“It is with heavy hearts that we write this,” the family wrote. “On July 5, there was an air accident involving one of the planes from Brooks Seaplane. Unfortunately, everyone on board our aircraft and the other aircraft did not survive the incident. Our family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones.”

Eight people were killed when the Brooks Seaplane that departed from Independence Point and a Cessna that departed from Felts Field in Spokane collided in mid-air near Powderhorn Bay about 2:20 p.m. Sunday. Five passengers and the pilot were in the seaplane, and a pilot and passenger were in the Cessna.

Lunt, 58, of Liberty Lake, was piloting the seaplane occupied by Sean Fredrickson, 48, of Lake Oswego, Ore. A 16-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy were also identified as passengers, along with another adult. The other victims from the Cessna have not been identified.

“Our family lost a great man,” the Lunt family said. “A father, husband and all-around family man and a friend to everyone he came into contact with. We will miss him greatly.”

Lunt was a retired commercial pilot with SkyWest Airlines based out of Los Angeles International Airport. He recently bought the Brooks Seaplane business.

“The community response of positive comments and experiences with Neil has been overwhelming and heartwarming,” the Lunt family said. “To everyone that has reached out, we thank you. As we navigate through this tough time, we ask that our family’s privacy, and the privacy of everyone else involved is respected. It brings a smile to all of our faces hearing the wonderful stories about Neil. Once again, to all those who have supported us and continue to do so, we are unbelievably grateful.”