A Canadian philanthropist couple and their daughter were killed in a plane crash en route to a family vacation, according to reports.
The fiery plane crash claimed the lives of Joe and Anita Robertson, both 58, and daughter Laura Robertson, 24, on Monday in Greenville, Maine, The Canadian Press reported.
Officials said the plane plummeted to the ground about an hour and 45 minutes after taking off from Pembroke, Ontario.
Joe Robertson, a licensed pilot, reported losing power in a distress call while flying the two-engine plane to Prince Edward Island.
The family patriarch was a prominent businessman who was a partner in a dental supply firm, Arcona Health Inc., which was sold for millions before he turned 40, according to the Canadian Press.
“He was unbelievable. He was a machine,” former business partner Carman Adair told the Canadian Press. “You couldn’t find a better business partner. He’s brilliant and caring and thoughtful and fair.”
The Robertson’s are well-known in the Ontario charity scene where they pledged major contributions to Brock University, the United Way and Niagara Health.
Authorities said they are investigating the cause of the crash.



