The King families of Sion Hill and Bequia are in shock as they struggle to come to grips with the tragic death of husband and father Elim King.{{more}}

Elim who goes by the moniker “Captain King” died in a plane crash in St.Croix, US Virgin Islands, on Thursday, October 29th, 2009.

King who plied his trade as a sea captain was among three people killed when a small plane crashed into a field and burst into flames.

He was married to Sandra King who arrived in the state last Tuesday.

Falisha King, one of Elim’s eight children, told SEARCHLIGHT her father was en route to St.Thomas when the plane he was aboard encountered difficulty.

The young woman who had flown from Trinidad the following day to offer support to her siblings said she was unable to say much about the crash because investigators were still working to establish the cause.

She described her father as: “Very jolly, very friendly, outgoing, enthusiastic, dedicated to his job, committed and loving to his family.”

The grieving woman said she last saw her father a year ago and was looking forward to seeing him in December at a re-union that was being planned.

Falisha was on her way home from work last Thursday night when she received news of the tragedy.

“I went into a state of shock and denial. I didn’t think it was real,” said Falisha, adding “I don’t know if we would be able to accept the fact.”

Falisha told SEARCHLIGHT her other relatives are in a state of denial.

She said her father’s body is still in the custody of the St.Croix authorities. However, she believes a funeral will take place next week.

Elim worked for a private company in St.Croix doing tours on a catamaran.