Memorial to be held for Glenashley pilot
Friends and family have continued to share stories and memories of Leusch.
TRIBUTES have continued to pour in for Glenashley pilot, Michel Leusch, who was tragically killed in an air show in China last week. His family will host a celebration of Michel’s life on Wednesday, 7 September at 3pm at Virginia Airport in hangar 8. The family has asked people who know him to join them and share stories of the amazing person that he was.
Leusch, who flew for Red Bull Fire Stars, died in the crash after his plane spiralled out of control before crashing to the ground at the 1st Silk Road International General Aviation Convention.
Friends and family have continued to share stories and memories of Leusch. One of them, Clive McInnes, paid tribute saying Leusch would forever be in their hearts and memories.
“We lost one of the nicest, most humble and talented guys in our hobby. He was an inspiration to us. Always out there helping everyone and always game to be flying something. Be it full size or models. Jets, aerobatics, or gliders Michel Leusch you will forever be in our hearts and memories.”
Carl Paton, another friend said Leusch’s personality was larger than life·
“Words fail to express the hole your passing has left. My heart goes out to Nats, Andre, Luke and family. I hope they can one day find peace and somehow smile again. The sheer volume of messages I have seen on various platforms is testament to how many lives you have touched and the man you are. Your personality was larger than life, I will miss our chats, cold beers, your cheesy smile and that swan dance you sometimes did,” he said.
His former school, Northwood School also paid tribute to the 33-year-old.
“Our condolences go out to the Leusch family and friends,” the school said in a Facebook post.
Nelson Kgwete, spokesman for the International Relations Department, said the department is working with the Chinese embassy in Beijing to repatriate the body to South Africa.
