AIRPORT OWNER ANTHONY HALL KILLED IN SWISS ALPS PLANE CRASH AS FAMILY PAYS TRIBUTE TO “INCREDIBLE DAD”

WEST MIDLANDS, UK — A British airport owner and businessman has been identified as one of three people killed when a small aircraft crashed into a mountain in the Swiss Alps.

Anthony “Tony” Hall, 42, died on September 15 when the Cirrus SR22T he was travelling in crashed into a mountain slope near the resort town of Leukerbad in the canton of Valais.

His devastated family described him as an “incredible dad” and a “truly wonderful husband,” saying his family had always meant everything to him.

“A TRULY WONDERFUL HUSBAND”

In a statement released following his death, Hall’s family said they were “completely heartbroken” by the loss.

They described him as an exceptional businessman who had achieved significant success in the construction and haulage industries.

But beyond his professional achievements, they said his greatest role was as a husband and father.

Tony was a devoted father to his daughter, they said, adding that he would be remembered as a kind, caring, generous and determined man.

The family said they would “miss him immensely” and asked for privacy as they came to terms with their loss.

CRASH IN THE SWISS ALPS

The aircraft had been travelling through Switzerland when it crashed into a mountain slope near Leukerbad.

Authorities said the plane had departed from Sion Airport in the Rhône Valley and crashed roughly 10 minutes later.

Emergency crews, including police, firefighters and mountain rescue teams, were sent to the scene with three helicopters.

All three people aboard the aircraft died.

The other British victim was identified as Owain Davies, 55, a businessman from west Wales and managing director of engineering company Amcanu.

Davies was described by his company as a husband, father and grandfather who was also an experienced pilot and loved flying.

The identity of the third person aboard had not been publicly disclosed in the reports reviewed.

TONY HALL’S AIRPORT DREAM

Hall was the owner of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in Staffordshire.

He acquired the airport in 2023 and had ambitious plans for its future, saying he wanted to develop it into “the best general aviation airport in the country.”

The airport later paid tribute to him, saying he had poured his “time, energy and passion” into securing its future.

Together with his co-owner, Hall was credited with helping transform the site into a thriving aviation hub serving the local and wider aviation community.

His work extended beyond aviation.

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

The company said there was “immense sadness” following his death and described him as a much-loved husband, father, friend and colleague.

Pegasus said Hall had built a strong team and a business based on values and solid foundations that he was extremely proud of.

The company added that it would continue operating as normal, “just as Tony would have wanted.”

TRIBUTES FROM THE COMMUNITY

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb, who knew Hall, described him as “one of the very best.”

She praised his role in helping build Pegasus into a successful business and also remembered his humour and personality.

Webb said Hall had contributed significantly to the local community, including through his support for the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade.

She also noted that he had previously served in the armed forces and continued to support military-related community events after leaving the Army.

For those who knew him professionally, Hall’s death represented the loss not only of a businessman but of someone who had invested considerable time and energy in his community.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

A separate criminal investigation has also been launched by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General and Valais police.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that it was supporting the families of the two British nationals who died in Switzerland and remained in contact with local authorities.

As investigators work to establish what happened during the aircraft’s final minutes, Hall’s family is mourning a man they say was first and foremost a loving husband and father.

His life, they said, will be remembered for his kindness, determination, generosity and devotion to the people closest to him.

“He will be deeply missed,” Pegasus said in its tribute.