'Tarzan' actor Joe Lara, six others dead in plane crash
Tarzan: The Epic Adventures actor Joe Lara has died in a tragic plane crash. He was 58, and was among the seven others who were killed after their jet crashed into a Tennessee lake. Lara starred as the king of the jungle for nearly 22 episodes between the years 1996 and 1997, and was also a part of TV movie, Tarzan in Manhattan.
His wife killed as well, all passengers identified, investigation underway
The authorities revealed that crash happened on Saturday, when his JL&GL Productions LP-owned plane was heading from Smyrna Rutherford County Airport to Palm Beach International Airport. Investigators could identify all the passengers, which included Lara's spouse Gwen Shamblin, along with Jennifer J. Martin, David L. Martin, Jessica Walters, Jonathan Walters, and Brandon Hannah. A probe is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
There was half a mile wide debris field in lake
According to John Ingle, Rutherford County Sheriff's Office captain, nearly half a mile wide debris field was found. During an all-night search operation, authorities discovered wreckage from the aircraft and also human remains. "With dive teams in the water, we are strongly urging civilian boaters to stay away from the public safety boats," Ingle noted. The couple is survived by three children.
'God is in control,' Lara's daughter releases statement
Earlier, Lara's daughter Elizabeth Hannah had released a statement. "My brother and I are asking for immediate prayers right now. We have just gotten word that Gwen and Joe Lara's plane had to go down for a controlled, quick landing," she wrote. "GOD IS IN CONTROL, and we will not stop moving forward with WHAT GOD WANTS with this church," she added.
Gwen authored a book on Christian practices, founded a church
Lara was a licensed pilot and a certified diver. He had over 28 acting credits in his career, and was a part of movies like Steel Frontier, Sunset Heat, American Cyborg: Steel Warrior, and Baywatch. His wife Gwen was the author of the bestseller The Weigh Down Diet, a diet based on Christian practices. She also founded the Remnant Fellowship Church in late 1990s.
