Actor Megan Hilty, a prolific Broadway performer and one of the stars of the NBC series Smash, has spoken out about the tragic death of three of her family members in a recent plane crash.
The crash occurred in Puget Sound off Whidbey Island near Seattle, Washington. Hilty's sister, brother-in-law and nephew were aboard.
Hilty's sister was also eight months pregnant. She and her husband leave behind a young daughter as well.
Hilty spoke out about the tragedy in an Instagram post, seen below.
Along with photos of her sister, brother-in-law and nephew, Hilty wrote:
"On Sunday afternoon, a small float plane crashed into Puget Sound off the coast of Whidbey Island. My beloved sister Lauren, brother-in-law Ross and baby nephew Remy were on that plane."
"To make this news even more devastating, my sister was eight months pregnant and we were expecting to welcome baby boy Luca into the world next month."
Hilty went on to say how devastating the event has been for her and her family.
"The last three days have been the worst of our lives. There are truly no words to appropriately convey the depth of our grief."
Hilty then explained she did not want to speak publicly about the event, but felt compelled to after media got details wrong in news stories about the accident.
She closed her post by thanking her fans who have expressed their support in the days since the tragedy.
"The outpouring of love and support has meant so much to everyone in our family. It has been so comforting to know just how loved Lauren, Ross, Remy and Luca truly are."
That outpouring continued in comments on Hilty's post as friends and colleagues shared their condolences.
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The seaplane was carrying 7 other passengers when it crashed into the waters of Mutiny Bay northwest of Seattle on Sunday.
Only one body has been recovered, that of 29-year-old Seattle attorney Gabby Hanna.
Crews from the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are still investigating the crash, which has been hampered by the depth of the waters, which are an active shipping channel.
Most of the plane itself has yet to be recovered.
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