The National Transportation Safety Board has ruled a 2019 plane crash off the coast of Cape May an 'act of suicide'.

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The crash, involving a Mooney M20J four-seater aircraft last May, killed its pilot and lone passenger Lawrence Klimet. The wreckage and Klimet's body were discovered on June 1, 2020.

The 58-year-old Howell, New Jersey native, took off from Trenton-Robbinsville Airport before the plane crashed into the water near Cape May Lighthouse, Courier Post reports. He left behind a wife, daughter, and four stepchildren.

Witnesses reportedly saw the aircraft flying erratically prior to it diving straight into the water.

On December 3, 2020, the New Jersey state medical examiner ruled Lawrence Klimet's death a suicide, and the NTSB seems to concur, citing 'no pre-impact mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane' in a recent report. That report goes on to say 'witnesses reported that the airplane would dive to the surface, fly low along the beach, and fly again'.

There doesn't seem to be any public information as to what caused Klimet to commit suicide. His obituary read, in part, 'He had a deep desire to draw closer to God and a sincere repentance in his heart for his past actions.'

Our thoughts are with Lawrence Klimet's family and friends at this difficult time. If you or someone you love are experiencing feelings of self-harm, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Read more on this story via Courier Post.

SOURCES: Courier Post

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