Florida Doctor Found Dead After Plane Crashes in Everglades

Dr. Michael Russin, an orthopedic surgeon from South Florida, was found dead Monday morning when the experimental plane he was flying crashed in the Everglades, media in Florida are reporting.

Russin, who was affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, took off from Boca Raton Sunday evening in an RV-7 experimental plane, headed to Miami-Opa-Locka Executive Airport. He was the only person onboard the plane.

Shortly after midnight, Russin’s family contacted the Florida Civil Air Patrol, and said that Russin had not checked in with them.

The Civil Air Patrol located Russin’s body shortly before 7:00 a.m. Monday, about 25 miles southwest of Boca Raton Airport. As the plane had crashed in a marshy area, a special rescue operation was required to retrieve the body.

Chesed Shel Emes is working with authorities to ensure kavod hames.

Mount Sinai Medical center released a statement Monday afternoon that said: “All of us at Mount Sinai Medical Center are deeply saddened by the unfortunate passing of Dr. Michael Russin. Michael enjoyed life and the practice of medicine. He and his family have a legacy of caring for patients at Mount Sinai. He and his twin brother, David, treated patients at our medical center for decades, and their father was once our chief of orthopedics. Michael will be missed by the entire Mount Sinai family. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and wish them comfort during this time.”