Plans for a memorial to honor pilot killed in plane crash unveiled

COLONIE, NY (NEWS10) — Colonie officials want to build a permanent memorial to honor Natalie Gillis, the pilot who died in a plane crash Monday. Councilman Peter Crummey told NEWS10 that her family and city officials would like to put up a bench and a plaque with her name near the library building.

Gillis was a wilderness guide and a talented photographer. Friends and family remember her for her kindness and intelligence. City leaders want to make sure she is not forgotten.

“And right now, 86,000 residents in our city are grieving,” Crummey said. “This tragedy was brought upon our city, and with the help of Providence and the piloting skills of the deceased, we were able to prevent a much greater disaster.”

Community members gathered at the crash site Thursday evening to hold a vigil in memory of Gillis. A memorial service is planned in Toronto on Sunday afternoon.