Following the tragic plane crash on Sunday, which took the lives of 10 passengers, including Megan Hilty’s sister and her family…
The star has spoken out.
The plane crash-landed in Washington’s Puget Sound.
It was a float plane with ten passengers on board.
And tragically, 3 of the passengers were related to actress Megan Hilty.
The star’s sister, Lauren Hilty, along with Lauren’s husband, Ross Mickel, and daughter, Remy, were all on board the ill-fated flight.
Megan Hilty is a Broadway star, having appeared as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical, and her Tony Award-nominated role as Brooke Ashton in Noises Off.
She’s also a star of screen, most memorably starring as Ivy Lynn on the musical-drama series Smash.
Hilty’s sister was pregnant at the time of the crash.
“So very sad – prayers for the whole family,” one Facebook commenter wrote.
Of the ten missing in the crash, only one body has been recovered.
And the US coast guard has now confirmed the remaining passengers are missing but presumed dead, PEOPLE reports.
“The Coast Guard has suspended its active search for the remaining nine missing individuals effective at noon,” the USCG shared via its official Twitter account.
“All next of kin have been notified of this decision. Our hearts go out to the families, loved ones, and friends of those who remain missing and the deceased.”
Hilty’s brother-in-law, Ross Mickel, was well known within the wine-making industry.
He was a winemaker and owner of Ross Andrew Wineries.
Hilty’s family offered a statement to NBC affiliate KING 5.
“We are deeply saddened and beyond devastated at the loss of our beloved Ross Mickel, Lauren Hilty, Remy, and their unborn baby boy, Luca.”
“Our collective grief is unimaginable.”
“They were a bright and shining light in the lives of everyone who knew them.”
“Although their time with us was too short, we will carry their legacy forward.”
“The enormous outpouring and support we have received from our friends, family, and the public has been overwhelming.”
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who also lost loved ones on-board.”
“At this difficult time, we are requesting that our privacy be respected as we grieve the loss of our family members.”
The Washington State Wine Commission also shared a statement with PEOPLE.
“We are deeply saddened by the news about Ross Mickel and his family.”
“Ross had an incredible impact on the Washington wine community and he will be greatly missed.”
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones as they navigate this extraordinarily difficult time.”
The reason for the crash is not yet known.
But it is believed to be a tragic accident.
Tributes have begun to pour in for Hilty.
Both from her fans and Broadway peers alike…
“Our thoughts and prayers to Megan Hilty and her family,” wrote Onstage Blog.
“May this entire community surround her with nothing but love right now.”
“My heart breaks in ways words can not describe for my friend @meganhilty and her family. What a truly unthinkable tragedy. Please join me in sending love and light their way,” said Josh Gad.
“Gah, Megan Hilty, my heart is breaking for and your whole family today. I know the whole broadway community is sending all the force of love it’s got.”
Fans also offered their loving words…
“Sending so much love to Megan Hilty and her family right now,” wrote one person.
“Oh my God, poor Megan Hilty,” added another.
“Prayers out to Megan Hilty and her family. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through,” a third said.
And now, Hilty has spoken out about the tragic crash…
She took to Instagram to share her grief at the news, she wrote: “On Sunday afternoon, a small float plane crashed into Puget Sound off the coast of Whidbey Island.”
Hilty added: “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.”
“The last three days have been the worst of our lives. There are truly no words to appropriately convey the depth of our grief,” she wrote.Â
We join the world in sending Hilty and her family our best wishes.
Our thoughts go out to Hilty and her family during this difficult time.