Pilot flying home for Easter from Superior dies in crash

Clay County authorities have identified the victim of a fatal small-plane crash as Kevin Ferris of Duluth.

The Forum of Fargo, N.D., reported the 48-year-old was traveling from Superior, Wis., to Moorhead on Friday morning to visit his parents for Easter weekend. 

Ferris was found dead after his plane crashed about four miles south of Hawley.

Sheriff Bill Bergquist said a search plane spotted the wreckage Friday afternoon.

Bergquist said Ferris may have tried to land the single-engine, two-seat Cessna plane because of fog.

The victim’s girlfriend, Roz Randorf, said Ferris always wanted to be a pilot. She said he began flying two years ago.

Randorf said her boyfriend was a conscientious pilot who always took flying seriously. He’ll be remembered for his kindness and gentle touch, Randorf added.

The plane was reported missing around 12:30 p.m. Friday. An earlier report said Ferris’ family last heard from him Friday when he was over Park Rapids, about 150 miles west of Superior.