WOODSTOCK – Results from autopsies on four people killed in a plane crash near Crystal Lake over the weekend shed little light on what caused the accident.
The victims were positively identified as 46-year-old pilot and Indiana businessman Ray Harris and his daughters Ramie and Shey. The fourth victim was identified as 22-year-old Chris Backus of Eau Claire, Wis., a friend of one of the daughters.
They were identified based on a combination of factors, including body characteristics such as height and weight, scars, surgical procedures, dental records and visual identification, Deputy Coroner Curt Bradshaw said.
All died on impact from blunt force trauma as a result of the crash, he said.
“We did not see any medical cause for him to lose control of the plane,” Bradshaw said.
The single-engined Cirrus SR20 crashed shortly before 10:30 a.m. Saturday in farmland near North Ridgefield Road and Route 14. The aircraft was registered to the Marion Flying Club in Marion, Ind.
The airplane’s parachute, designed as a life-saving device, was deployed. It was caught on a nearby tree.
Preliminary investigation also revealed that Ray and Ramie Harris were in the front seats, while Shey Harris and Backus were in the back seats.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, but said it could be months before the report is complete.
Harris, who reportedly was an experienced pilot, was flying Ramie back to Wheaton College, where she attended school. Thousands gathered Monday at a school chapel to mourn her.
• The Associated Press contributed to this report.