AIRPORT OWNER TONY HALL, 42, KILLED IN SWISS ALPS PLANE CRASH AS FAMILY PAYS HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

Anthony “Tony” Hall, a 42-year-old airport owner and businessman from the West Midlands, has been identified as one of three people killed when a light aircraft crashed in the Swiss Alps.

Hall died on September 15 after the Cirrus SR22T he was travelling in crashed into a mountain slope near the popular resort town of Leukerbad in the canton of Valais.

His death was confirmed by his family, who described him as a devoted husband, an incredible father and a much-loved member of the community.

FAMILY “COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN” BY HIS DEATH

In a statement, Hall’s family said they were “completely heartbroken” by the loss of a man they described as a wonderful husband and devoted father.

They said Hall was an exceptional businessman who had achieved significant success in the construction and haulage industries.

But they emphasized that his family was always at the centre of his life.

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

They added that Hall would be remembered as “kind, caring, generous, determined” and a “fantastic character.”

The family also expressed gratitude for the support and kindness shown to them following the tragedy and asked for privacy as they grieve.

AIRCRAFT CRASHED MINUTES AFTER LEAVING SION

The Cirrus SR22T had departed from Sion Airport in the Rhône Valley before the crash.

Authorities said the aircraft went down roughly 10 minutes after taking off from Sion, striking a mountain slope in the Fluhalp area near Leukerbad.

Emergency crews, police and firefighters were dispatched to the remote location, with helicopters also involved in the response.

Three people aboard the aircraft were found dead.

The circumstances that caused the aircraft to crash remain unclear, and investigators have not announced a definitive cause.

SECOND BRITON IDENTIFIED

Hall was one of two British nationals confirmed to have died in the crash.

The other was 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 passionate about flying.

Swiss authorities have launched an investigation into the crash. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board is examining the circumstances, while Swiss police and the Office of the Attorney General are also involved in separate inquiries.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was providing support to the families of the two British victims.

A BUSINESSMAN WITH A PASSION FOR AVIATION

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

His company acquired Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in 2023, and Hall became closely involved in developing the airport and its future.

The airport paid tribute to its owner and director, saying he had a clear vision for the site and had invested significant time, energy and passion into its development.

The airport said Hall and his co-owner had transformed the site into a thriving aviation hub for the local and wider flying community.

His death has left colleagues mourning the loss of a businessman who played a major role in the airport’s development.

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR “MUCH-LOVED” FATHER

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb, who described Hall as a friend, also paid tribute to him.

She remembered him for his business achievements as well as his personality, describing him as a genuinely good person with a quick wit and sense of humour.

She also highlighted his support for community causes, including the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade.

Pegasus said Hall had built a strong team and a business with solid foundations, adding that he was deeply proud of what he had created.

“Above everything else, Tony was a much-loved husband, father, friend, and colleague,” the company said.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

At this stage, authorities have not established why the aircraft crashed into the mountain.

For Hall’s family, the investigation comes alongside the painful loss of a husband, father and businessman whose life was cut short at the age of 42.

His family said they would remember him for the qualities that defined him — kindness, generosity, determination and his devotion to those closest to him.