A well-known Mexican television presenter tragically lost her life in a devastating plane crash shortly after sharing a photo of the aircraft she was flying in as she was getting ready for a flying lesson.
Debora Estrella, a news anchor aged 43, and pilot Bryan Ballesteros perished in the crash of a small two-seater Cessna she was training in, near an industrial area in Garcia, located in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon.
Footage circulating on social media, though unverified, depicted the small plane spiraling out of control before crashing, with a helicopter above attempting to assist.
Prior to the accident, Debora posted a picture of the plane on her Instagram Live stories with the caption “Guess what” before taking off from Monterrey-Del Norte International Airport.
Garcia’s mayor, Manuel Guerra Cavazos, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that a light aircraft had crashed near the Pesqueria River at the Mitras Industrial Estate, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
Debora’s former husband, Jose Luis Garcia, a journalist, also shared news of the crash on social media before discovering that his ex-wife was one of the victims, reporting the details of the accident near the Ciudad Mitras Industrial Estate in Garcia.
Colleague Maria Julia Lafuente, who worked alongside Debora for over five years on a morning news program in Monterrey, expressed deep sorrow to viewers, highlighting Debora’s passion for life and work.
She emphasized Debora’s vivacious spirit and urged others to embrace life fully, as every moment is precious.
Colleagues paid tribute to Debora, revealing that she had recently shared her ambition to pursue flying lessons with friends, including plans to obtain a pilot’s license.
The pilot, Mr. Ballesteros, who also perished in the crash, had a background as a commercial airline pilot for Viva Aerobus and was flying the Cessna during the fatal incident.
A former student, Miguel Briones, honored Mr. Ballesteros on Facebook, expressing gratitude for his guidance in flying lessons and extending condolences.
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