12 Americans, 2 South Africans Died In Crash

An Islamic web site carried a statement attributed to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terror network Sunday claiming responsibility for a plane crash in Kenya that left 12 Americans and two South Africans dead (ANN: "14 Killed In Kenya Crash," July 21, 2003).

The statement, the authenticity of which could not be verified, said the plane was hit "head on" with a ground-to-air SAM-7 missile. It was apparently fired by followers of Mohammed Atef, the Egyptian national suspected of being Bin Laden's number two.

The statement said three CIA agents were on board the plane searching for Mujahedeen positions on the Kenyan border. It also promised the Iraqi people the "arrival, very soon, of a present from Osama bin Laden to (US President George W) Bush and his band."

Kenyan officials said the light aircraft crashed into Mount Kenya amid thick clouds on July 19, and that the 12 Americans killed in the crash were members of the same extended family, including two grandparents.

Funeral For Some Friends

Relatives of the 12 crash victims spoke publicly for the first time Saturday during a memorial service that drew thousands of mourners.

"The tragedy we face here is difficult to comprehend," said Frank Brumley, brother of Dr. George W. Brumley, a retired head of pediatrics at Emory University who died in the July 19 crash.

"Much has been taken from us, but so much remains, and our responsibility now is for those who must carry on." The victims were three generations of George Brumley's family.

The elder Brumley, who was vastly impressed by a trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro two years ago, flew the group to Africa for a two-week visit to the Kenyan game reserves. Their chartered plane crashed into one of Mount Kenya's peaks in heavy fog, killing all aboard, including two unidentified South African pilots.

The Brumleys' remains are still in Africa, but more than 3,000 people poured into an imposing Presbyterian church in one of Atlanta's wealthiest neighborhoods for the memorial. "It was very heart-wrenching to learn about the lives of all the family members. But I think this helped all of us," said Dr. Laraine Kendall, a retired Emory pediatrician who worked with Brumley.

One investigator each from the NTSB and the FAA have been sent to Africa at the request of the Kenyan government. They'll help local authorities in the investigation.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.transport.go.ke