Pilot dies from injuries days after Lake Meridian floatplane crash

The pilot whose floatplane crashed into Kent’s Lake Meridian last Saturday died Thursday from his injuries, according to a statement from his family.

Captain Alan L. Williams, 74, “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife of 50 years, along with his four sons, family, and loved ones,” the family statement distributed by the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (Puget Sound Fire) to multiple media outlets reads.

Williams’ floatplane crashed into the lake Saturday morning several hundred feet from the lake’s shore. Rescuers pulled him from the floatplane and when he was removed from the aircraft, emergency responders say he was unconscious. From there, rescuers performed CPR. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he died.

“Alan was a career pilot with a highly decorated 55-year career in aviation,” the family said the statement. “His love of flying was only surpassed by his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a selfless person who was always there to help those around him. Like the love he showed others, our heartbreak cannot be put into words.

The family thanked “friends and neighbors for their heroic call to action” and praised and thanked the Puget Sound Fire and the Kent Police Department for their professionalism shown. Thanks to those efforts and the care provided by the staff at Harborview Medical Center, “we were given a few more days with him,” the family added.

The family has asked that, in lieu of any flowers or gifts, people make a donation in Williams’ name to The Museum of Flight in Seattle.

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What happened on the day of the floatplane crash in Lake Meridian

Around 10:10 a.m. last Saturday, several people called 911 to report Williams’ floatplane had crashed into the lake.

The plane was upside down after the crash, with its floats sticking out of the water.

Police say the boaters who were first to arrive at the scene made attempts to tow the sinking aircraft to shore.

Crews from Puget Sound Fire responded and were at the scene within minutes. When the firefighters arrived, they began attempts to get the pilot out of the aircraft.

Firefighters, an officer with the Kent Police Department and a private resident all joined in the effort to pull the pilot from the downed plane.

When he was removed from the aircraft, emergency responders performed CPR on Williams before bringing him to Harborview.

Editors’ note: This story originally was published on Sunday, Aug. 24. It has been updated and republished multiple times since then.

Tom Brock is a reporter, editor and anchor for KIRO Newsradio.

Steve Coogan is the lead editor of MyNorthwest. You can read more of his stories here. Follow Steve on X, or email him here.