Christian diet guru and 'Tarzan' actor are among 7 presumed dead in plane crash near Nashville
Officials said seven people were estimated to have died in a small jet crash on Saturday in Lake Tennessee, including Gwen Shamblin Lara, the founder of the Remnant Fellowship Church and Christian diet guru.
Officials said the Cessna 501 was carrying seven people when it crashed into Percy Priest Lake in Smyrna, a community near Nashville, shortly after taking flight from Smyrna Airport.
Lara was on board; Her husband, William J. Lara; His son-in-law, Brandon Hannah; And married couples Jennifer and David Martin, and Rutherford County government spokesperson Jessica and Jonathan Walters said in a news release.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
In a statement sent to CNN, the Remnant Fellowship Church paid tribute to those aboard the plane.
"The Seven Remains Fellowship leaders who lost their lives on May 29, 2021, were some of the best and most beloved people you will ever meet. During this terrible tragedy, our Church will appreciate the prayers," the church said.
Gwen Shamblin Lara was the founder and spiritual leader of the Remnant Fellowship Church in Brentwood, south of Nashville. Her husband, who went by Joe Lara, was an actor best known for playing the lead role in the TV series "Tarzan: The Epic Adventures", which ran from 1996 to 1997.
Gwen Shamblin Lara, a registered dietitian, created a weight loss diet that encouraged dieters to strengthen their faith in God to lose weight. In 1998, Lara told CNN's Larry King that she believed that God inspired her to become a dietitian.
"Gwen Shamblin Lara was one of the most kind, gentle and selfless mother and wife in the world, and a loyal, caring, supportive best friend to all. She gave her life every day to ensure that To have a relationship with others. God, "the Remnant Fellowship Church said in its statement. "Her wonderful and supportive husband, Joe Lara, will also be greatly missed."
Dive teams from Rutherford County Fire Rescue, Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management, Metro Nashville Police Department and Wilson County Emergency Management have recovered several components of the aircraft as well as human remains from Percy Priest Lake.
Elizabeth Hannah, daughter of Gwen Shamblin Lara and wife of Brandon Hannah, remembered her mother and husband in a statement released by the county.
Elizabeth Hanna said, "The seven relics fellowship leaders lost yesterday, including my husband and my mother, were some of the best, most righteous and loving people I have ever known." "I want the whole world to know that my mother, Gwen Shamblin Lara, was the kindest, most gentle, selfless, loving mother and best friend to me and my brother. Her actions and words have led thousands of people Changed for the better - and her message "loving God with all your heart" - will live forever and ever - and will continue to change life for all eternity. My dear husband, Brandon Hannah, first of all loved God. Took this message - and he was truly one of the most selfless and loving soulmates and fathers on the planet. "
Gwen Shamblin Lara's son Michael Shamblin thanked all the first responders and law enforcement who worked at the accident site.
He said, “My family is just praying for prayers at this time and we hope that those affected, especially the children of other passengers, know that they are loved very much and we will take special care of their needs in these years to come. Hope to take care. " In the statement.
According to the church's website, Walters and Martins joined the church in the late 1990s. According to the site, Hannah helped oversee the church's youth group.
Church said all the relics were fellowship leaders "who were very involved in the community and loved by many."
CNN is trying to reach family members of those killed in the crash for comment.
Rutherford County spokeswoman Ashley McDonald said the plane was bound for Palm Beach International Airport in Florida when it crashed.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Registry, the aircraft was registered at JL & GL Productions LP located in Bradwell, Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Secretary of State's website, JL & GL Productions LP was owned by Gwen Shamblin Lara.
Agencies responding to the crash site on Saturday included Rutherford County Fire Rescue.
Officials said Sunday that divers recovered several parts of the plane and human remains from the lake.
The debris field is about half a mile wide, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Capt. John Ingley said.
A news release issued by the county government on Sunday night stated that the operation at the accident site was called off Sunday night and recovery and investigation efforts would resume on Monday morning.
"On behalf of all agencies who have responded or contributed in any way to this incident, we express our deepest condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragedy," Rutherford County Fire Rescue Capt. Joshua Sanders said in the release. "We are committed to working with our federal partners to bring them closer to the people affected by this incident."