Heartbreak for Prince William as friend he ‘loved & admired’ dies in plane crash
PRINCE William has shared his heartbreak after a friend he “loved and admired” died in a plane crash.
The Prince of Wales said his pal, who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife in some of East Africa’s most renowned national parks, had died alongside his son.
Wills said his friend, Mark Jenkins had been conducting an aerial patrol when his plane went down.
He said he was tonight thinking about Mark’s family, as they’d lost a man who many loved and admired.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted on Twitter tonight saying: “Yesterday, I lost a friend, who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife in some of East Africa’s most renowned national parks.
“Mark Jenkins, and his son Peter, were tragically killed when flying over Tsavo National Park while conducting an aerial patrol.”
The post continued: “Tonight, I’m thinking about Mark’s wife, family and colleagues who’ve sadly lost a man we all loved and admired. W”
A tribute by the Frankfurt Zoological Society said: “Mark was a lifelong conservationist and experienced bush pilot, who dedicated his career to protecting wildlife in some of East Africa’s most renowned national parks.”
It continued: “Passionate, principled, and strong-willed, Mark was never afraid to speak his mind and stand for what he believed in.
“He was a commanding presence and made an indelible impression wherever he went.
“Those of us who worked alongside him remember him for his determination, thoughtfulness, his energy, his mischievous smile, and his deep love of wildlife and wild places.
“We will miss his warmth, his hilarious stories, and his sometimes rather irreverent comments which always made us smile.”