One of two men who died in a plane crash in northern Alberta last week has been identified.
Branden Soroka, 30, was killed when the small plane crashed at Peace River Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Police said last week a 27-year-old Australian man was also killed in the crash.
According to Soroka’s obituary, the Manning, Alta., native recently moved to Grande Prairie with his wife Danielle and two-year-old son Nayte.
“His greatest love was for his wife, son and family, but most of all showing Nayte and Danielle the many joys of the world,” the obituary said. “His most cherished times were spent with his friends and family.”
It explained that he had a “passion for life” and “lived life to the fullest,” specifically in the outdoor space as he loved hunting, fishing, travelling and adventure in general.
He only recently entered the aviation space in 2023 to follow one of his many dreams, the obituary noted.
After the tragic and unexpected loss of the 30 year old, Soroka’s aunt Andrea Stone started a GoFundMe to support Danielle and Nayte navigate these unimaginable circumstances.
It has since raised just over $45,000, smashing Stone’s original goal of $10,000.
“To know him was to laugh with him, then love him. He had an infectious personality and an unwavering zest for life,” Stone said of Soroka. “He was determined and driven and a natural wild child. His big heart was undeniable, opened to anyone who crossed his path.”
Stone says her nephew loved his wife and child “more than life itself,” and now their lives have changed forever in the blink of an eye.
“Everything they had worked so hard to accomplish, now drastically different,” she wrote. “They have a long road ahead of them, filled with disbelief, uncertainty, sadness…and maybe with this a little light and hope.”
She says all donations will go to Danielle and Nayte and hopefully lessen the burden and provide some relief as the two-year-old grows up.
“It will allow him to do the things that his Dad had always dreamed of for him and set him up for the future he deserves,” she said.
If you would like to make a donation to the GoFundMe, click this link.
