“Neighbors described seeing and hearing the plane going from east to west,” Sharon said.
“It sounded like a strong wind as the plane was then seen going into a forested area, [and] Fell from the sky. There was a huge crash and a fireball. “
“Then my mom screamed and I ran down the stairs and we looked out our window and there was this big plume of smoke and we didn’t see the plane coming down, but we felt it and saw the smoke.”
The law firm was known for its jingles
Cellino and Barnes were known for their commercial and phone number jingles.
The statement from Barnes Firm said: “The loss of Steve Barnes and his niece Elizabeth Barnes in today’s tragedy. We acknowledge that Steve Barnes and his niece Elizabeth Barnes have a deep heart. Steve was a friend, colleague, partner and mentor to many. In our firm in New York, California and beyond. He was a veteran of the legal industry, a proud Marine and a loving father. Steve and Elizabeth will be greatly missed by many. “
Ross Cellino, Barnes’ former law partner, issued the statement:
“Steve and I worked together on our firm for many years. He was always a fearless advocate for his clients. His passing is a significant loss to the legal community. Steve’s greatest achievement was his three children Josiah, Rachel and Julia. Steve is his longtime partner, Ellen Storm, who has also survived through our attorney’s office.
“Likewise the heartbreaking Elizabeth Barnes, sister of Brian Barnes and daughter of Rich Barnes, brother of Steve and attorney at our firm. All of us at Cellino and Barnes are deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Barnes family.” “Salino said.
NTSB will not travel to the scene
According to Sheriff Sharon, the crash caused a large pit to fall in a heavily forested area in the village of Corfu and scattered the wreckage for hundreds of yards.
“It’s very fragmented,” he said.
A TBM-700 can hold six or eight occupants, but according to Sharon, only two people were aboard.
The FAA is on the scene for an investigation, Sharon said.
The cause of the tragic plane crash is not yet known.
CNN’s Alec Snyder also contributed to the report.
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