Los Angeles Paramedic, 8-Year-Old Die in Plane Crash

June 15--An 8-year-old boy who was seriously hurt in a San Bernardino County plane crash that killed a Los Angeles firefighter died of his injuries on Friday, officials said.

Sebastian Gerwal, of Frazier Lake, suffered trauma to his head and upper body in the June 9 crash and was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center that morning, according to a statement issued by the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office. He died from the injuries he sustained.

Brian Lee, a 47-year-old firefighter and paramedic who was piloting the plane, died the day of the crash, authorities have said. The 8-year-old was a passenger in the plane. He was believed to be the son of one of Lee's friends, according to Jodi Miller, public information officer for the Sheriff's Department.

Brian Humphrey, a spokesman for the LAFD, referred all questions about the crash to the San Bernadino County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department did not respond to an e-mail requesting comment.

"Our department is still grieving the loss of our brother Brian, and this news further compounds our grief," Humphrey said.

Investigators have said the plane struck the ground and flipped numerous times. Lee served more than 25 years with the Los Angeles Fire Department, and off-duty firefighters rushed to his aid after witnessing the crash.

The Sheriff's Department and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the wreck, according to the coroner.

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