Victims of Hot-Air Balloon Crash in Virginia Identified

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Natalie Lewis (left) and Ginny Doyle (right), two members of the women's basketball staff of the University of Richmond, died in a hot-air balloon accident on Friday. They are pictured here in a photo released by the university.

By Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai2014-05-11 17:34:32 UTC

Two of the three occupants of the hot-air balloon that burst into flames and crashed in Doswell, Virginia, have been identified.

Natalie Lewis and Ginny Doyle (pictured, above), staff members of the University of Richmond women's basketball program, died in the crash, the university confirmed in a statement. The third person presumed dead has been identified as Dan Kirk, an experienced pilot with 30 years of ballooning experiencing, Kirk's family reportedly confirmed, according to NBC News.

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The Virginia State Police, however, has declined to identify the victims until a "med examiner makes positive ID," spokesperson Corinne Geller told Mashable on Sunday. Geller said authorities have continued searching for the body of the third victim and the balloon's wreckage early Sunday.

The balloon on which Doyle and Lewis took flight Friday was one of three participating in the Mid-Atlantic Balloon Festival. The balloon came in contact with a live utility line, and quickly caught fire, according to the Virginia State Police's Facebook page.

Doyle and Lewis are seen in two Instagram photos, below, uploaded to Doyle's account on Friday before the accident.

Members of the University of Richmond expressed their condolences in a statement. "As alumnae, classmates, and colleagues — and as invaluable and devoted mentors for our student-athletes — Ginny and Natalie have been beloved members of our community," university president Edward L. Ayers said. "Their leadership and friendship will endure in the lives of so many."

"Words cannot begin to express our sorrow," said Keith Gill, director of athletics. "We are all stunned by the tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones."

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Topics: crash, U.S., US & World, virginia