NEW YORK – An Ocean County doctor, his daughter and his 2-year-old granddaughter were killed when the small plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff in upstate New York, leaving family, friends, patients and colleagues mourning three generations of one family.
New York State Police identified the victims Wednesday as 70-year-old Dr. Gabriele Jasper of Toms River, 33-year-old Gabriella Hillgrube of Forked River and her young daughter, Guiliana Hillgrube.
Jasper was piloting a 1976 Piper Aerostar that departed Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake at about 10:36 p.m. Monday, authorities said. Investigators said the aircraft climbed to an estimated 100 feet before communication was lost.
Troopers located the wreckage after spotting a fire in a wooded area near Route 186 and Hearf’s Way in the town of Harrietstown. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three people aboard were pronounced dead at the scene.
The plane was registered to Jasper Air LLC of Toms River, according to federal records.
Jasper founded the Jasper Spine Institute in Brick Township in 2002 and was widely known for performing and teaching minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for spinal stenosis and disc degeneration.
Chris Alderucci, a friend and former colleague, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, and spoke to Jersey Shore Online this afternoon. He described Jasper as a gifted surgeon, devoted family man and loyal friend.
Alderucci said he worked with Jasper for about a decade and traveled around the world with him as Jasper taught endoscopic surgical techniques to doctors from numerous countries.
“He was one of the most genuine surgeons that cared about his patients and the staff that worked with him,” Alderucci wrote.
He remembered Jasper as someone who lived life fully and enjoyed flying, racing cars, riding motorcycles and spending time on boats. Above all, Alderucci said, Jasper loved his family and friends.
“There will be many surgeons and patients from around the world that will be sad to hear this news,” he wrote.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
Dr. Jasper advertised with Micromedia Publications several years ago, and members of our staff remember working with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and patients during this heartbreaking time.
