Alaskan Plane Crash Included Lacrosse Enthusiast

We are shocked and saddened with the news that our fellow lacrosse friend, William “Bill” Phillips, died in the tragic plane crash in Alaska on Monday. We are relieved and grateful; however, to learn that his son, Willy, survived the crash. Legendary Senator Ted Stevens was also reported among the nine people on board when the 1957 DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter crashed.

Bill was an active and popular member of The University Club here in DC and a major contributor to the success of the Club’s Tewaaraton Award. The U Club has been the home of the trophy and the award presentation for years. The banquet was recently held at the National Museum of the American Indian.

Right now it looks like weather and treacherous terrain could have played a factor in the crash. CNN Reports:

The plane flew into the side of a mountain in remote southern Alaska Monday night, authorities said. Brutal terrain and bad weather kept survivors waiting 12 hours for rescue after the crash, officials and witnesses said. The accident left five people dead and four others injured.


William “Bill” D. Phillips
1953 – 2010

Members of the U Club, including myself, remember Bill’s commanding presence. Without a doubt, his humor and engaging conversations on sports will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill’s family and to the families of the others who were injured or lost their lives in the accident.

More on the horrific crash.

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