Pilot Who Left FL Airport Found Dead In Bahamas: Reports

SEBASTIAN, FL — Chris Moore, a 59-year-old Louisville man whose private plane went missing near the Bahamas, has been found dead, his wife confirmed to WHAS. His plane was found near the airport in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas.

Moore was reported missing Sunday, when his single-engine BRM Aero Bristell was reported overdue, and he did not answer texts from friends and family. Moore, who lived in Louisville, Kentucky, took off from Sebastian, Florida Sunday morning, when he was last heard from.

“Sadly I can confirm that he died on impact and we are deeply grateful for having found him and that he did not suffer," his wife Stacye Love told WHAS and WLKY. "He was found 2.5 miles short of the runway, upright in the marsh.” Love said he died on impact.

On Sunday, The Federal Aviation Administration put out a statement that a single-engine BRM Aero Bristell was reported overdue after departing from Florida, according to Pleasanton Weekly. The plane had last been seen about 50 miles northwest of Freeport, Bahamas, according to the FAA.

A Coast Guard official told WPTV that “the search is suspended pending the development of further information.” The Royal Bahamian Defense Force also suspended the search, though a private search and rescue company continued to look.

Moore grew up in the Bay Area, and sold Quadrant Solutions, a magnet company. He bought four planes, and flew them often.

"Chris was a precious man, with a rare kindness and sincerity. He was cute and quirky," Love told WLKY. "He was wickedly smart. I am forever blessed to have been loved by him. Please keep our family in your prayers."