Alabama Father, 2 Daughters Killed in Montana Wilderness Plane Crash

The victims were identified as pilot Mark Anderson of Huntsville and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie Anderson. Their family dog, Stella, was also aboard.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 10/21/2025, 7:13:40 PM EDT

Alabama Father, 2 Daughters Killed in Montana Wilderness Plane Crash — Pine trees grow on the mountain sides along the North Fork of the Flathead River on the western boundary of Glacier National Park near West Glacier, Mt., on Sept. 16, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

An Alabama father and his two daughters were killed Friday when their small plane crashed in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana, authorities confirmed.

The victims were identified as pilot Mark Anderson of Huntsville and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie Anderson. Their family dog, Stella, was also aboard.

According to the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the aircraft went down around 4:30 p.m. in a remote, wooded area of northern Powell County.

“On Friday, October 17th, 2025, at approximately 1630 hours, the Powell County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible downed aircraft,” Sheriff Gavin R. Roselles said in a statement. “The pilot and two other occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.”

Air resources from Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Department of Transportation joined the search after the aircraft’s emergency locator signal was detected. The wreckage was located around 9 a.m. on Saturday. Roselles said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Missoula County Sheriff’s Office officials said recovery teams faced steep terrain, downed and standing timber, and uneven footing as they reached the site. “Our deep and heartfelt condolences go out to the family, loved ones, friends, and all those impacted by this tragic and sudden loss,” it said.

Before confirmation of the crash, the family’s church, Monte Sano Baptist Church in Huntsville, asked for prayers as search efforts were underway. “Mark, Lainey, and Ellie Anderson (father and daughters) went missing yesterday while flying to Polson, MT,” the church wrote in a Facebook post. “Mark is an experienced pilot, and we’re holding onto hope that he made a safe landing in a remote area.”

The Anderson family later released a statement to local media expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. “We would like to express our immense gratitude for the love and support shown to our family in wake of the devastating events that transpired over the last few days,” the statement read.

“We find peace in knowing heaven gained three beautiful angels, full of light and having lived their lives to the absolute fullest. Mark, Lainey and Ellie have left the world a better place just being in it.”

The family stated that “Mark reported engine trouble shortly before the plane’s signal was lost. At this time, we don’t have any further details as to the cause of the crash, and are allowing the NTSB to conduct its investigation to the fullest. Mark was an incredible pilot and loved his most cherished passengers more than anything."

Eldest daughter Lainey Anderson was a certified flight instructor at Sanders Aviation in Jasper and a graduate of Auburn University. She was remembered by her Alpha Chi Omega chapter for her joyous personality and humor. The sorority wrote, “Lainey was the kind of friend who made every room brighter just by being in it … To know her was to experience genuine joy, laughter, and intentional friendship in its purest form.”

Her younger sister, Ellie, was a senior at Huntsville High School and a member of the school’s dance team. The chapter described her as someone who “never met a stranger and had a kindness that made everyone feel welcome.”

“As a senior on her dance team, she brought light and warmth everywhere she went, leaving an imprint of grace, sweetness, and compassion on every heart she encountered,” the sorority wrote.

Mark Anderson was a real estate agent and an avid pilot, described by family and friends as deeply devoted to his loved ones. “Mr. Mark was a devoted father whose love for his family was evident in everything he did. He worked hard, supported deeply, and cared even harder. His commitment, strength, and encouragement were a constant source of love for those he cherished,” the Auburn sorority wrote.

A prayer vigil for the family is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.

“We lift up their beloved mother, Mrs. Misty, in prayer,” the sorority added. “May their lives continue to inspire love, laughter, and light in all of us.”