Lewis Katz, co-owner of The Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com died on Saturday in a plane crash that also killed six others on board.

Lewis Katz Dies In Plane Crash

Katz, 72, was getting ready to take off on a private jet in a Massachusetts airfield when something caused the jet to go off course and crash into a gully where it burst into flames. The jet never got off the ground, and there were no survivors.

Katz, an entrepreneur, was traveling with Marcella M Dalsey, 59, director of the Drew A. Katz Foundation, Susan K. Asbell, 68, another philanthropist involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Anne B Leeds, 74, a longtime friend. Also on the jet were two crewmembers and one flight attendant – their names have not yet been released.

“That guy did a lot with his heart. I’ll never forget that as long as I live,” President Bill Clinton said on Sunday, addressing Katz’s passing.

Jared Patterson, 14, who has a clear view of the runway from his home, told reporters that he saw flames and smoke overtake the plane.

“It was gigantic. It just kept rising and rising – it was awful,” Patterson said.

According to witnesses, the flames reached a height of 20-30 feet.

Lewis Katz's Son To Take Over Father's Position

Katz’s death may also put a bit of a bump in the acquisition of The Inquirer, which was won by Katz and his business partner, H. F. Linfest. After a heated battle, Katz and Linfest won The Inquirer for a bid of $88 million. According to Linfest, the sale has been delayed for 30 days in light of Katz’s death – it was originally supposed to close June 12. Drew Katz, Katz’s son, will take over his father’s position on the company board.

“He taught me everything. He never forgot where and how he grew up and he worked tirelessly to support his community in countless ways that were seen and unseen,” said Drew Katz, 42.

The cause for the crash is unknown, and authorities are reportedly investigating the flight data recorder and black box.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.