The family of an airport owner killed in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps have described him as a "kind, caring, generous, determined and fantastic character".
Fatal crash near Leukerbad
Anthony Hall, 42, was on board a Cirrus SR22T which crashed high in the mountains near the town of Leukerbad in the southern canton of Valais on September 15. Owain Davies, 55, from west Wales, also sadly died, as well as a third person.
The plane departed Sion airport in the Rhône Valley but crashed into a mountain slope about 10 minutes later.
Tributes to the victims
Mr Hall was the owner of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in Staffordshire and the managing director of construction and recycling firm Pegasus, based near Stourbridge in the West Midlands.
His family have now paid tribute, telling how he was a "truly wonderful husband, devoted father and much-loved man". They added: "Tony was an exceptional businessman who achieved great things in the construction/haulage industry, and his commitment to succeed and progress never faltered."
"He was first and foremost a loving husband and an incredible dad to his daughter, whose family meant everything to him. We will miss him immensely and will remember him as the kind, caring, generous, determined and fantastic character he was."
The family of Mr Davies have told of their "unimaginable loss". Mr Davies was managing director of engineering firm Amcanu, which is based in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire.
Investigation launched
Emergency teams from the Valais Rescue Organisation, police and firefighters were sent to the scene along with three helicopters. The Swiss Transportation Safety Board has begun an investigation.
Mr Hall's family stressed they were incredibly grateful for the kindness, love, and support that had been shown. They added: "Our hearts go out to those who also lost their lives in this terrible tragedy."
Paying tribute, former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb, who was a friend of Mr Hall, described him as a "legend". She said: "Tony will always be a legend to me. What he achieved in helping build Pegasus into the success it is today, alongside the other directors, was remarkable."
"But beyond the business, Tony was great fun to be around and, quite simply, a genuinely good person. I will miss his quick wit and humour."
She added he gave "so much" to the area, particularly through his support for the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade. "Having served in the armed forces, he gave his support willingly," she said. "His life was tragically cut short, but what he achieved after leaving the army was truly inspiring, and he did it with a passion I was always in awe of."
Airport tribute
Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport also issued a tribute to its owner and director, who bought the site in 2023. He had a "clear vision" for it to become "the best general aviation airport in the country", the statement said, and "poured his time, energy and passion" into securing its future.
"Together with his co-owner, he transformed the airport, creating a thriving aviation hub for the local and wider aviation community," it continued. "His passion, determination and commitment have left a lasting mark on the airport and on the many people who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him."
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it was "providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland". It added officials were in contact with the local authorities and its thoughts were with the families of those who had died.
