A volunteer pilot flying three rescue dogs to a care facility in upstate New York died along with one of the dogs after his plane crashed in the state's Catskill Mountains, according to officials.

Leah Kim remembers her dad for his infectious smile and loving heart. Seuk Kim, 49, was a pilot, animal rescuer and father of three. On Sunday, Seuk Kim was flying three dogs from Maryland to a shelter in upstate New York when he hit turbulence and poor visibility.

A pilot who became renowned for rescuing animals has died in a plane crash in New York state while transporting three rescue dogs said officials.

After realizing a childhood dream of becoming a pilot, Seuk Kim transported cats and dogs from disaster areas.

When Seuk Kim took off from Maryland last weekend with three small dogs aboard his small plane, it turned out to be the last of his many volunteer flights to rescue animals in need.

When Seuk Kim took off from Maryland last weekend with three small dogs aboard his plane, it was the latest of many volunteer flights he had made to rescue animals in need.

Fellow volunteers say they’re shattered by the loss of a selfless, can-do and caring man who used his love of flying to help animals.