Bodies Of Missing Plane Crash Victims Found In Panama

WAUKESHA, WI — The families of two missing retired public school teachers, one from Waukesha, announced Tuesday that the two women's bodies have been found in Panama.

Four people and a pilot were on a private plane that crashed off the coast of Panama on Jan. 3. They included Deb and Anthony Velleman of Waukesha and Sue Borries, 57, of Teutopolis, Illinois.

Anthony Velleman, 70, was one of three people rescued after the crash. His wife and Borries remained missing.

Borries and Velleman's bodies were recovered Tuesday.

Albert Lewitinn, a Velleman family spokesperson, released a statement to Patch.

"Our families welcome, with a tremendous sense of relief and gratitude, the news out of Panama this morning that our loved ones – Sue Borries and Deb Velleman – have been recovered.

While there are many individuals and entities to thank, we want to first and foremost thank Keith Cormican and his nonprofit organization Bruce’s Legacy, for the expertise, equipment, and tireless effort in successfully searching for the missing aircraft and completing this morning’s recovery in coordination with and under the supervision of local authorities in Panama. Our sincere thanks also go to Walter and Bernice Abadi and family, without whose support these results would not be possible.

It is our intention – almost exactly one month following this tragic accident –to give proper thanks to all those who supported our families during this difficult time, as well as to have many outstanding questions answered by way of a swift and thorough investigation.

For now, however, this finally marks the beginning of our grieving process and provides us with a path to closure. Funeral services will be announced at a later date. May the memories of Sue and Deb be for a blessing," the Borries and Velleman families said.

The search for the aircraft and bodies was not without frustration. The missing women's families had made several pleas for help from the United States government.

"The United States Government, including both the Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard reviewed the request, but did not have assets to deploy. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it did not have jurisdiction in Panama," Lewitinn said.

Officials in Panama enlisted the help of local shrimper boats to drag nets, said Jake Velleman, son of Deb Velleman.

This story is developing.