Airport owner killed in Swiss Alps plane crash

An airport owner, businessman and "incredible dad" from the West Midlands has been named as one of three people killed in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps last week.

Anthony Hall, known as Tony, was the managing director of Pegasus, a construction and recycling company based in Lye, near Stourbridge, and owned Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in Staffordshire.

Hall died when the Cirrus SR22T he was travelling in crashed high in the mountains near the town of Leukerbad in the southern canton of Valais on 15 September.

In a statement, his family said they were "completely heartbroken by the loss of a truly wonderful husband, devoted father and much-loved man".

They added: "Tony was an exceptional businessman who achieved great things in the construction/haulage industry, and his commitment to succeed and progress never faltered.

"Although a prominent business figure, he was first and foremost a loving husband and an incredible dad to his daughter, whose family meant everything to him.

"We will miss him immensely and will remember him as the kind, caring, generous, determined and fantastic character he was."

Owain Davies, a 55-year-old businessman from west Wales, has been identified as the second Briton killed in the crash.

Authorities said the plane took off from Sion airport in the Rhône Valley and, for unknown reasons, crashed into a mountain slope about 10 minutes later.

Emergency teams from the Valais Rescue Organisation, police and firefighters were sent to the scene along with three helicopters.

The Swiss Transportation Safety Board has begun an investigation.

Hall's family added they were incredibly grateful for the kindness, love, and support shown to them during "this devastating time".

"Our hearts go out to those who also lost their lives in this terrible tragedy," they added, and asked for privacy as they came to terms with their loss.

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb paid tribute to Hall on Thursday, saying she was devastated at the loss of her friend, who was "one of the very best".

"Tony will always be a legend to me. What he achieved in helping build Pegasus into the success it is today, alongside the other directors, was remarkable," she said.

"But beyond the business, Tony was great fun to be around and, quite simply, a genuinely good person. I will miss his quick wit and humour."

Webb added he gave "so much" to the area, particularly through his support for the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade.

"Having served in the armed forces, he gave his support willingly," she said.

"His life was tragically cut short, but what he achieved after leaving the army was truly inspiring, and he did it with a passion I was always in awe of."

In a statement, a Pegasus spokesperson talked about their "immense sadness" over Hall's death.

"He built a strong team and a business with values and solid foundations, which he was incredibly proud of," they said.

Pegasus would continue to operate as usual, "just as Tony would have wanted", the company said.

They added: "Above everything else, Tony was a much-loved husband, father, friend, and colleague. He will be deeply missed by everyone at Pegasus and by so many whose lives he touched."

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office previously confirmed it was "providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland".

It added officials were in contact with the local authorities and its thoughts were with the families of those who had died.

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