Tragedy struck on Tuesday in western France when a single-engine plane crashed near Nantes, claiming the lives of three individuals, the civil aviation authority BEA reported.
The ill-fated plane, which disappeared from radar after take-off on Tuesday afternoon, tragically crashed in proximity to the Loire River, close to the Atlantic coast.
Initially, only one victim's body was successfully recovered from the wreckage.
The pilot of the plane was identified as the well-known French television journalist Gérard Leclerc, as corroborated by various French media sources and confirmed by his former employer, CNews.
Notably, Leclerc was an experienced pilot in addition to his journalistic endeavors.
Former French president François Hollande lauded Leclerc's legacy as a distinguished political journalist who made significant contributions to the field.
Reports have also surfaced indicating that among the victims was the daughter of René Monory, the former president of the French Senate, adding another layer of heartache to the tragic incident.