BRITISH AIRPORT OWNER TONY HALL, 42, KILLED IN SWISS ALPS PLANE CRASH — FAMILY REMEMBERS “INCREDIBLE DAD”

A British airport owner and businessman has been identified as one of three people killed when a light aircraft crashed into a mountain in the Swiss Alps.

Anthony “Tony” Hall, 42, from Stourbridge, Worcestershire, died when a Cirrus SR22T crashed near the Alpine resort of Leukerbad in the canton of Valais on September 15.

His devastated family has remembered him as a devoted husband, an “incredible dad” and a much-loved man whose life revolved around his family, business and community.

PLANE CRASHED MINUTES AFTER LEAVING SION

The aircraft had taken off from Sion Airport before crashing into the northern slope of a mountain near Leukerbad.

Emergency crews, including police, firefighters and rescue specialists, were sent to the area after witnesses reported seeing significant smoke.

All three people aboard the aircraft were killed.

The cause of the crash has not been established. Switzerland’s Transportation Safety Investigation Board is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, while Swiss police and the Office of the Attorney General are also conducting inquiries.

The aircraft had reportedly crashed around 10 minutes after departing Sion.

TONY HALL REMEMBERED AS A DEVOTED FATHER

Hall’s family said they were “completely heartbroken” by his death.

In a statement, they described him as an exceptional businessman who had achieved significant success in the construction and haulage industries.

But beyond his professional achievements, they emphasized the importance of his family.

“Tony was first and foremost a loving husband and an incredible dad to his daughter, whose family meant everything to him,” they said.

They described him as kind, caring, generous, determined and a fantastic character, adding that they would miss him immensely.

His family has asked for privacy as they come to terms with the loss.

OWNER OF WOLVERHAMPTON HALFPENNY GREEN AIRPORT

Hall was managing director of Pegasus, a construction and recycling company based near Stourbridge.

In 2023, he became an owner of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport, where he worked to develop the site as a general aviation hub.

The airport currently describes itself as a general aviation facility serving pilots, flight schools and aviation enthusiasts, with more than 50,000 aircraft movements a year.

Following Hall’s death, the airport paid tribute to the work he had put into its future.

The business said he had poured his “time, energy and passion” into the airport and helped transform it into a thriving aviation hub for the local and wider aviation community.

“ONE OF THE VERY BEST”

Tributes have also come from people who knew Hall through his business and community work.

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb described him as “one of the very best,” praising what he had achieved in helping build Pegasus.

She also remembered him as someone who brought humour and energy to those around him.

Hall was additionally remembered for supporting local community activities, including the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade. According to tributes reported by The Sun, he had previously served in the armed forces.

Pegasus said there was “immense sadness” following the death of its managing director.

The company described Hall as a much-loved husband, father, friend and colleague and said he would be deeply missed.

SECOND BRITON IDENTIFIED

Hall was the second British victim to be publicly identified following the crash.

Owain Davies, 55, a businessman from west Wales and managing director of engineering company Amcanu, was previously named as another person killed in the accident.

Davies was remembered by his company as a husband, father and grandfather who was passionate about aviation.

Swiss authorities have not publicly identified the third person who died in the crash in the sources reviewed.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed that it is supporting the families of the two British nationals who died in Switzerland and remains in contact with local authorities.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The circumstances that caused the Cirrus SR22T to crash remain under investigation.

Swiss investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data, weather and other evidence as they work to establish what happened during the final minutes of the flight.

For Hall’s family, however, the investigation is unfolding alongside an immense personal loss.

They said their hearts went out to the families of the other people who died in the tragedy.

Tony Hall leaves behind a grieving family, colleagues and a community that has remembered him not only for the businesses he helped build, but also as a husband, father and friend whose life was cut tragically short.