Korean-American pilot rescued abandoned dogs, sad fall death...a special memorial service

"It's amazing to think about how many lives he saved in flying."

The Associated Press reported the story of Seok Kim, a Korean pilot who died in an accident while flying to rescue abandoned dogs in the United States.

Kim, who had dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood, began volunteering at Pilots n Paws, which rescues animals in disaster areas, after obtaining a pilot's license four years ago.

On the 24th of last month, Kim took off to rescue abandoned dogs as usual, but he never returned.

The plane crashed due to an unexpected problem over the Catsville Mountains on its way to Albany, New York from Maryland, USA, with three stray dogs on board, including dog Lisa.Kim died at the age of 49 in the

accident, and Lisa, who was riding with her, also died, but the other two puppies survived.Penny Edwards, who worked with

Kim, recalled that he was "an amazing person."

Edwards said Kim was also involved in delivering aid to North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helen this year, adding, "I did so much for the community as well as rescuing animals."

After the accident, Kim's family decided to bury the remains of Lisa, the dog who was with Kim on his last flight, in the backyard of the family's house.

"My father was so special about Lisa that he risked his life to fly," said Kim's 16-year-old daughter Leah. "We thought we should continue to take care of her."

He also added that the process of Lisa's remains being transported to Kim's family's house could be a "memorial flight" for Kim.