A 7-year-old girl was the only survivor of a light-aircraft crash that killed her family in Kentucky on January 2. That girl, Sailor Gutzler, then walked to a nearby house and asked if she could stay there. Those killed in the attack were Sailor’s father, experienced pilot, Marty, her mother, Kim, 46, her sister, Piper, 9, and her cousin, Sierra Wilder, 14. The family were returning from a vacation in Key West to their home in southern Illinois. When the plane was found by investigators, it was upside down.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Sailor Lit a Stick on Fire to Help Guide Her Through the Woods
After emerging from the wreck, Sailor, despite her broken bones and wounds, lit a stick on fire from the burning wreckage. She then walked through the brutal terrain for nearly a mile until she came upon a house. Speaking to NBC News, the owner of the home, Larry Wilkins, said Sailor had no shoes and was “dressed for Florida.” The temperature in Kentucky at the time was in the 30s. Wilkins said in the interview, “She asked if she could stay here. I said, ‘Honey, what can I do for you?’ I got a wash cloth and cleaned her up. And of course called 911.” She was treated briefly at a hospital in Paducah, Kentucky, before she was released to family members. In a statement, the Gutzler family said:
We are devastated by this loss, but are confident that they rest in God’s loving arms.
2. Her Father Was a Flight School Teacher
Marty and Kim Gutzler pictured on New Year’s Eve 2014. (Facebook)
Air traffic controllers had last heard from Gutzler’s plane just after 5 p.m. They had been flying through inclement weather when the crash occurred. Marty Gutzler was a hugely experienced pilot who taught at a flight school. He had flown from Florida to Illinois many times. The crash is still under investigation. The plane that Marty was flying was a Piper aircraft, his other daughter was also named Piper. The Florida Keys Key Noter newspaper reports that the Gutzler family had recently fallen victim to a real estate scam.
3. The Gutzler’s Business Has Become a Shrine to the Family
Gutzler’s Furniture is located in Nashville, Illinois. (Facebook)
The Gutzler family owned Gutzler’s Furniture in Nashville, Illinois. The business was opened by Marty Gutzler’s father more than 50 years ago. The company’s Facebook page, has become a shrine to the Gutzler family with customers and friends mourning the family while also paying tribute to Sailor. On January 5, one commenter wrote, “YOU ARE THE BRAVEST LITTLE GIRL THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!! I APPLAUD YOU….SOMETIMES GOD GIVES US STRENGTH THAT WE NEED TO CARRY ON….MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE THAT STRENGTH!!!”
4. There Are Numerous Funds Set Up for Sailor
A fund has been set up for Sailor Gutzler at SailorGutzlerFund.com. A Facebook page for a fund for Sailor also has more than 6,000 likes. Her tribute reads:
This site is dedicated to Sailor Gutzler.
Sailor is 7 years old and survived a plane crash on January 2, 2015 in which she lost her parents Marty and Kimberly, her sister Piper and her cousin Sierra.
She is a brave little girl.
Your generous donation will help Sailor obtain the emotional, physical and educational support she will need in the years to come. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
5. Sailor’s Sister ‘Enjoyed Being With Family’
Piper Gutzler.
In her obituary, it reads that Piper Gutzler “enjoyed going to the beach and being with family.” Her tribute also adds that she loved “all sports.” The Gutzler’s cousin, Sierra, “liked the finer things in life,” according to her obit. The tribute adds, “Sierra loved going on vacations with her family.”
Sierra Wilder.