PLAINFIELD, Ind. – An Indiana teen and his father were attempting to fly around the world in 30 days to break a Guinness World Record while raising money for a non-profit organization.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the world record attempt took a tragic turn Tuesday night after a plane crash near Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa.
A single-engine plane with two passengers crashed into the water approximately a mile from shore, officials said.
The body of 17-year-old Haris Suleman was recovered. Rescue workers are still searching for his father, 58-year-old Babar Suleman.
Haris recently completed his junior year at Plainfield High School and was attempting to become the youngest pilot to travel around the world in 30 days.
The principal at Plainfield High School is former Batesville Middle School Principal Melvin Siefert.
Plainfield Community School Corporation issued a statement Wednesday:
“Plainfield Community School Corporation is deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our students. Seventeen-year-old Haris Suleman completed his junior year in May and left Plainfield only days later in an attempt to fly around the world with his father. Haris’s adventurous spirit and huge heart led him to reaching for this personal goal while also seeking to raise funds and awareness for schools supported by The Citizens Foundation, a non-profit organization headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan.
The loss of Haris is a sobering tragedy for our school community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Haris’s family. We will provide information about memorial services and funeral arrangements once available. Thank you for your concern at this difficult time.”
