Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) pilot, Roan Carr-Hartley, lost two relatives in the Huri Plains in Tsavo East National Park plane crash on Thursday, December 8.
Hartley lost his cousin, Mark Jerkins, the pilot of the ill-fated plane, and his nephew.
The two perished on board the wing plane while surveilling the vast Tsavo National Park.
"They had a heart for people, very kind-hearted and committed...it's very unfortunate they have died such a painful death," Hartley told Nation Africa on Friday, December 9.
Before their demise, the two relatives had made plans with Hartley to visit Ayub Ahmed, the 4-year-old boy rescued in Tsavo East National Park, on Monday, December 5, after spending six days in the wilderness.
This is after a well-wisher offered to help the rescued boy by funding his education from primary to college. The good samaritan also volunteered to help Ayub's siblings.
Residents of Gerasa village in Tana River county, where the 4-year-old hails, also mourned the duo.
"I have lost a friend in Mark Jerkins. We had so many plans together for our people that unfortunately may not materialise," one of the locals stated.
Authorities launched an investigation to establish the cause of the crash that claimed the two lives.
Hartley's cousin had made headlines in the country. In February 2022, Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala honoured him by appointing him the honorary warden of Tsavo conservation.
Mark was recognised by Kenya Wildlife Service for his conversation efforts. The deceased previously served as warden in charge of Meru National Park before landing a role as an advisor on the KWS board of trustees.
