In brief: Bodies believed to be crash victims

Officials believe they found the bodies of a pilot and his passenger, thought to be a Spokane woman, who went missing Tuesday in Kalaheo, Hawaii, after their ultralight aircraft crashed into the ocean.

Kauai Fire Department divers discovered the bodies off Kauai’s south shore about 4:50 p.m. Wednesday. Although the bodies have not been identified, officials believe they are passenger Kim Buergel, 49, of Spokane, and pilot Jim Gaither, 55, of Hanapepe, Hawaii. The two were reported missing Tuesday after kayakers saw their aircraft crash.

“Our condolences go out to the families of the victims who have waited patiently for results of the search,” Fire Chief Bob Westerman said in a news release. “Obviously, this is a terrible loss for them. Hopefully, the recovery of the remains can provide some closure.”

Buergel’s family declined to comment. Roger Barno, chief operating officer at Monaco Enterprises, where Buergel worked in the manufacturing department, said “she was a very pleasant person to be around.”

“It’s a great loss to our company and to all her family and friends.”