Helicopter crash my darling sister
the time and I think they met while they were out with friends.
“She told me there was an instant spark. Eric was such a fun, passionate guy and I remember when my twin brother Peter and I were 13 years old they brought us to England and took us flying and to polo games and all these magical things.
“They both wanted to live life to its fullest. That is what made them such a good match.
“Izabela had always been scared of heights to the point that she had difficulty getting through hikes that involved sheer drops and she had never thought about flying as a career.
“But Eric gave her the controls of a plane one day so she could try it out and straight away he said, ‘You are a natural, you should take a course.’
“It took him a few years to persuade Izabela she could do it but once she learned how to fly there was no stopping her.
“Aviation became such a big part of their lives and they were so passionate about introducing other people to it.”
The couple ended up working as private jet and helicopter pilots ferrying VIPS all over the world.
Famous clients included Halle Berry, who Eric flew to a movie shoot in Ireland, and the Dalai Lama. In 2011 they became engaged after Eric proposed.
‘She was excited about being an auntie’
Kate’s businessman husband Dave Allen, 45, says: “They were both top pilots and Eric was particularly safety conscious. He had lost a few friends in air accidents and he would spend hours in his office at home pouring over crash reports to educate himself.”
Kate will always remember the heartrending moment when she heard the news. “We were at home when Dave switched on the BBC news and heard about the crash,” she says.
“We jumped into the car and drove straight to the stadium. I was nine months pregnant and it was the worst day of my life.
“Izabela was supposed to come with me to hospital when I gave birth.
“She was really excited about becoming an auntie.”
Last Sunday Kate and Dave travelled to Leicester to attend a private ceremony commemorating the lives lost as a memorial garden named after the club’s chairman was opened on the site of the disaster.
England and Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy broke down in tears as he paid tribute to the man dubbed “The Boss” by many.
Vichai took over the club in 2010 and led them to an unlikely Premier League title in 2016.
“The people of Leicester have been so nice to us and so supportive,” says Kate. “We want to celebrate Eric and Izabela’s life and all the joy they brought to so many people, but it is hard to keep the sadness at bay because we miss them so much.”