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Identities of Victims in Catalina Island Plane Crash Revealed
Two men killed when small plane crashed into remote ravine on the island off Los Angeles.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:34am
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A tragic plane crash on the remote Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles serves as a somber reminder of the risks and challenges of private aviation near populated areas.Long Beach TodayThe Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the two victims who died when their small plane crashed on Catalina Island this week. Daniel Sarner, 51, and Robert Cox, 54, were killed when their two-seat Solaris Aviation Sling 2 plane went down around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday near the city of Avalon.
Why it matters
Catalina Island is a popular tourist destination off the coast of Los Angeles, and small plane crashes on the island are rare but can have devastating impacts on the local community. This incident raises questions about flight safety and the potential risks associated with private aviation near populated areas.
The details
The plane, which had been flown nearly daily before the crash, took off from Torrance's Zamperini Field at 10:53 a.m. and was last tracked near Avalon at 11:13 a.m. Officials said there was no indication the pilot intended to land on the island. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
- The plane crashed around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2026.
- The plane took off from Torrance's Zamperini Field at 10:53 a.m. on the same day.
The players
Daniel Sarner
A 51-year-old man who was one of the two victims killed in the plane crash on Catalina Island.
Robert Cox
A 54-year-old man who was the other victim killed in the plane crash on Catalina Island.
Catalina Airport
Also known as the 'Airport in the Sky,' this is the airport located on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
The law enforcement agency that responded to the plane crash on Catalina Island along with county fire crews.
Janice Hahn
The Los Angeles County Supervisor who expressed condolences for the victims' loved ones and praised the first responders' handling of the incident.
What they’re saying
“This is a tragedy and my heart goes out to the loved ones of those who lost their lives. I am grateful to our paramedics and Sheriff's deputies who quickly reached this remote area and are handling this incident with professionalism and care.”
— Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor
What’s next
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will continue their investigation into the cause of the plane crash.
The takeaway
This tragic incident on Catalina Island highlights the potential risks associated with private aviation near populated areas and the importance of thorough flight safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future.
