Plans unveiled for memorial to honor pilot killed in plane crash

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Leaders in Colonie are hoping to create a permanent memorial in honor of Natalie Gillis, the pilot who was killed in a plane crash on Monday. Town Supervisor Peter Crummey told NEWS10 that her family and town leaders would like to put a bench and a plaque with her name near the library building.

Gillis was a wilderness guide and a talented photographer. Friends and family remembered her for her kindness and intellect. Town leaders want to ensure she is not forgotten.

"And we have 86,000 grieving town residents right now," Crummey said. "This tragedy was brought to our town, and with the help of Providence and the piloting skills of the decedent, we avoided a much larger catastrophe."

Community members came together Thursday night at the crash site to host a vigil in Gillis's memory. A memorial service is scheduled to be held Sunday afternoon in Toronto.