Britain's Prince William Mourns Friend Killed in a Plane Crash in Kenya

Britain’s Prince William has mourned wildlife reservist Mark Jenkins and his son who died in a plane crash at the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya on Thursday.

Through social media, Prince William said he lost a friend who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife in some of East Africa’s most renowned national parks. 

“Mark Jenkins, and his son Peter, were tragically killed when flying over Tsavo National Park while conducting an aerial patrol…Tonight, I’m thinking about Mark’s wife, family and colleagues who’ve sadly lost a man we all loved and admired,” William said on Twitter.

Jenkins, a wildlife ranger and his son Peter, a game warden, lost their lives after their aircraft crashed on Thursday morning while on patrol in the park’s north-eastern boundary.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the plane, a fixed-wing aircraft belonging to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), crashed at 7:15 a.m. while on patrol, killing all of its occupants.

It is reported that the deceased were trying to drive cattle including cows, camels, and goats out of the park when the incident happened.

Officials said they are investigating claims the plane may have been shot from the ground.