COATESVILLE, Pa - School Board President, Sam Ganow died in a plane crash on Thursday in Coatesville, according to a Facebook post by Octorara Area School District. The crash happened shortly after 1:30 p.m. in the area between a home and some trees in the 500 block of Old Wilmington Road,
The plane went down two minutes after taking off from the nearby Chester County Airport, according to Flight Aware.
Ganow was a dedicated member of the Octorara Area School District School Board for 26 years, according to a Facebook post in addition to being a cherished and respected member of the community.
Sam Ganow
He was also a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather in addition to being an active member of his local church community and the owner of an equipment rental business for decades. According to the Facebook post, he was also committed to the international skiing circuit, serving as a judge for hundreds of ski events all around the US and the world. He also competed in multiple marathon races annually, most recently completing the Disney Marathon weekend in January.
The following is an announcement taken from the Octorara Area School District Facebook page:
Dear Octorara Area School District Community,
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share with you the news of the tragic passing of our School Board President, Mr. Sam Ganow. Earlier today, we learned that Sam lost his life in a plane crash in Coatesville, leaving us with a deep sense of loss and grief.
Mr. Ganow was not only a dedicated member of the Octorara Area School District School Board but also a cherished and respected member of our community. Mr. Ganow served the Octorara community as a school board member for 26 years. His commitment to education and his tireless efforts to enhance the educational experience for our students made a lasting impact on our school district.
Personally, Sam was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, active member of his local church community and the owner of an equipment rental business for decades. For years he has also been deeply committed to the international skiing circuit, serving as a judge for hundreds of ski events all around the US and the world. He also competed in multiple marathon races annually, most recently completing the Disney Marathon weekend in January. Sam’s loss will be felt across a number of communities.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Sam’s family. We extend our deepest condolences to them, and we ask that you join us in offering support and comfort to one another as we navigate through this tragedy together.
Details regarding memorial services and ways to express condolences will be shared with the community in the coming days. In the meantime, counselors and support services will be available at our schools for students and staff who may need assistance in coping with this loss.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven Leever