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Family killed in Lyon Township plane crash identified

Posted at 9:26 AM, Jan 03, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-03 14:21:55-05

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — A family of three killed when their private plane crashed into a Lyon Township home on Saturday has been identified.

RELATED: 3 people dead following plane crash into home in Lyon Township

David S. Compo, former president of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan, his wife Michele and their son Dawson all died in the crash when the plane they were flying crashed into a home Saturday afternoon.

“There was a huge cloud of smoke, like really tall flames," said neighbor Chase Southwick. "We thought the whole house was going to be gone.”

There was another family inside the home at the time of the crash that escaped with no injuries, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

The plane went down just a half-mile from the Oakland Southwest Airport. The Northville family was returning from a trip to Canton, Georgia.

David is said to be an experienced pilot. His term as president of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan (HBA) recently ended on Dec. 31, the organization said.

David S. Compo

“We were fortunate to have David leading our team for 2020,” said Michael Stoskopf, HBA’s CEO. “His involvement, professionalism and experience over the years have been great assets to our organization and he has been a true friend to me as we faced challenge after challenge during this past year.”

Dawson Compo was a recent graduate of Detroit Catholic Central High School, and was a member of the band and cross country team.

"As a member of the Class of 2020, Dawson helped set an incredible example of how to persevere through challenging times, and we will continue to lean on our faith and each other for support in this tragic time," the school said in a statement released Sunday.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate.