Special Tribute Flight Honors Rhode Island Couple After Fatal Crash
Several pilots conducted a “Missing Man Flyover” in Newport, Rhode Island, on Thursday, October 19, honoring Tom and Aggie Perkins, who died in a small plane crash on October 13. The crash occurred in a highway median in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
Angel Flight of New England organized the tribute, stating the couple's legacy will be remembered for their compassion and service to others. Tom Perkins volunteered with the organization as a pilot since 2021, completing numerous missions to transport patients for medical care across the Eastern United States.
“Tom was more than a pilot; he was a friend, a mentor, and a shining example of what it means to serve others with courage, kindness, and heart,” the organization said in a Facebook post.
The “Missing Man” formation symbolizes the absence of a fallen individual by leaving one position empty in the flight formation. The tribute was described as a poignant moment for family and friends.
The funeral for the Perkins, recognized for their philanthropic contributions on Aquidneck Island, was held on Wednesday in Newport, according to WJAR.