Megan Hilty mourns the loss of her pregnant sister, brother-in-law and cousin.
“On Sunday afternoon, a small seaplane crashed into Puget Sound off the coast of Whidbey Island. My beloved sister Lauren, brother-in-law Ross and baby cousin Remy were on that plane,” Hilty, 41, wrote in a tribute on Instagram on Wednesday.
“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,” she continued.
“The past three days have been the worst of our lives. There really are no words to properly convey the depth of our grief.”
Hilty went on to correct reports claiming Remy was her niece, also noting that Lauren Hilty and Ross Mickel “left behind” an underage daughter.
“Luckily she wasn’t on the plane,” Megan concluded about her niece. “The outpouring of love and support has meant so much to everyone in our family. It’s so comforting to know how much loved Lauren, Ross, Remy and Luca really are.”
The three family members of the “Smash” alum were among a group of 10 who lost their lives after their plane crashed into Washington’s Puget Sound, the US Coast Guard confirmed Tuesday.
It is not yet clear what caused the tragic accident.
“We are deeply saddened and beyond devastated by the loss of our beloved Ross Mickel, Lauren Hilty, Remy and their unborn son Luca,” Mickel’s family said in a statement.
“Our collective grief is unimaginable. They were a bright and shining light in the lives of all who knew them. Though their time with us was too short, we will carry on their legacy.
“The tremendous outpouring and support we have received from our friends, family and the public is overwhelming,” it continued. “During this difficult time, we ask that our privacy be respected as we mourn the loss of our family members.”
In June 2019, Megan, Lauren and third sister Kristin joined their parents for an Australian vacation, with the stage actress posting about the family trip via Instagram.
“We’re fa-mi-ly, I’ve got all my sisters (and my mom and dad) with me!” Megan captioned a family selfie at the time.
“I can’t believe I’ll be singing at the Sydney Opera House in two days!!! And to make it even better, I have my family here to live this Australian adventure with me!”