CATAWISSA -- A small-engine plane that went down the day after Christmas near Gettysburg killed two people. It wasn’t until Monday that family members told us that one of the victims was a student at Southern Columbia Area High School
The family says Miranda Rose, 17, was flying with her mother’s boyfriend, Michael Bronzburg, to South Carolina the day after Christmas. They were going to South Carolina to pick up family to celebrate the holiday. But a half hour into the trip something went wrong and the plane crashed near Gettysburg.
Now family and friends are struggling to cope with such a tragic loss.
Flowers, cards of sympathy and support continue to pour in for two lives cut short just after Christmas. Southern Columbia Area High School Student Miranda Rose is believed to have been killed in a plane crash just outside of Gettysburg. She was traveling with her mother’s boyfriend, Michael Bronzburg of Catawissa.
The family says the two were on their way to pick up family in South Carolina to celebrate Christmas.
"It’s difficult for us at the school, I can only imagine what it’s like for the family and close friends," said Southern Columbia Area High School Principal Jim Becker.
The 17-year old was a bright student at Southern Columbia Area High. Becker says Rose was involved in Model UN, yearbook, Future Business Leaders of America, school plays, all while staying focused on her studies.
“Bright young lady, AP and honors classes, she was taking some college courses as well. It’s just a tragic loss," said Becker.
Rose’s mother says she had dreams of becoming a U.S. diplomat, while close high school friends say her positive outlook on life was contagious.
"Her laugh, that’s the one thing I know nobody will forget, it’s her own laugh. She was a good friend, she’ll definitely be missed," said junior Taylor Hoffman.
Rose had a passion for art as well, and drew sunflowers, a sample of the dozens of pieces of art left behind to remember her by. Now friends, family and the Southern Columbia School Community will work together to overcome this tragedy.
"We’re just trying to stick together and heal in whatever way possible we can,” said Hoffman.
Counselors will be available when students return to school Thursday.
The Adams County coroner hopes to confirm the identity of the crash victims as early as next Monday through DNA tests.
The family says a memorial will be planned through Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home in Bloomsburg.