Junction City Family Killed in Plane Crash

Associated Press - Thu 09:55 PM 06/07/2012

Kansas businessman, his wife and their four children were killed

Authorities say a Kansas businessman, his wife and their four children were killed when their small plane crashed into a swampy area of central Florida.

The Polk County Sheriff's office says the plane went down about 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Tiger Creek Preserve.

A news release says 45-year-old Ronald Bramlage was piloting the plane headed from the Bahamas to Junction City, Kan. It had stopped for customs in Fort Pierce, Fla., and had taken off a half-hour before the crash.

The sheriff's office says the single-turboprop, fixed wing plane broke apart and crashed. When deputies reached the area by helicopter, it was clear no one had survived.

Bramlage was the owner of Roadside Ventures LLC in Junction City.

Friends of Ron and Becky Bramlage are calling the deaths of the Junction City couple and their four children a huge loss to the community.

WIBW-TV reports neighbors and friends gathered outside the home late Thursday afternoon as confirmation was arriving of the deaths from the crash several hours earlier.

Becky Walker was president of the USD 475 School Board in Geary County. Superintendent Ron Walker says the Bramlages were heavily involved in the community, making this "a really great loss for Junction City."

Neighbor Deborah Johnston calls the Bramlages an amazing family whose loss will "leave a big hole in the city." And Brett Dean, an architect and longtime family friend, says they were well-respected throughout the city and the state of Kansas.

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