Local Businessman & Radio Group Owner Killed in Fiery Plane Crash

Philadelphia Inquirer and Longport Media co-owner Lewis Katz was among five people killed when their plane crashed in Massachusetts last night, en route to Atlantic City International Airport. The G4 aircraft crashed as it was leaving Hanscom Field at approximately 9:40 p.m. Saturday, leaving no survivors.

Also on board was Anne Leeds, wife of Longport, NJ commissioner Jim Leeds.

At the time of the crash, nearby residents saw a fireball and felt the explosion and impact shake their homes, according to NBC40.net.

Hanscom Field is about 20 miles northwest of Boston.

Katz reportedly spoke with Mrs. Leeds as she was leaving the beach Saturday morning and invited her to go to Massachusetts for a meeting.

The crash came just days after Katz, part owner and shareholder of the Longport Media Group (home to WMGM, WOND, and WTKU) gained full control of The Inquirer, buying out their co-owners in a deal that ended an ugly feud among the partners.

Katz, who grew up in Camden, N.J., made his fortune investing in the Kinney Parking empire and the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network in New York. He was once owner of the New Jersey Nets pro basketball team and the NHL's New Jersey Devils.  He was also a major donor to Temple University, his alma mater.

Our thoughts are with the families of the victims.  We will provide more details as they become available.