Megan Hilty is mourning the loss of her pregnant sister, brother-in-law and nephew.
“On Sunday afternoon, a small float plane crashed into Puget Sound off the coast of Whidbey Island. My beloved sister Lauren, brother-in-law Ross and baby nephew Remy were on that plane” Hilty, 41, wrote in a Wednesday Instagram tribute.
“To make this news even more devastating, my sister was eight months pregnant and we were expecting to welcome baby boy Luca into the world next month,” she continued.
“The last three days have been the worst of our lives. There are truly no words to appropriately convey the depth of our grief.”
Hilty went on to correct reports claiming Remy was her niece, also noting that Lauren Hilty and Ross Mickel “left behind” a minor daughter.
“Thankfully, she was not on the plane,” Megan concluded of her niece. “The outpouring of love and support has meant so much to everyone in our family. It has been so comforting to know just how loved Lauren, Ross, Remy and Luca truly are.”
The “Smash” alum’s three relatives were among a group of 10 who lost their lives after their aircraft went down in Puget Sound in Washington, the US Coast Guard confirmed Tuesday.
It remains unclear what caused the tragic accident.
“We are deeply saddened and beyond devastated at the loss of our beloved Ross Mickel, Lauren Hilty, Remy and their unborn baby boy, Luca,” a statement from Mickel’s family read.
“Our collective grief is unimaginable. They were a bright and shining light in the lives of everyone who knew them. Although their time with us was too short, we will carry their legacy forward.
“The enormous outpouring and support we have received from our friends, family, and the public has been overwhelming,” it continues. “At this difficult time, we are requesting that our privacy be respected as we grieve the loss of our family members.”
In June of 2019, Megan, Lauren and third sister Kristin joined their parents for an Australian vacation, with the stage actress posting about the family trip via Instagram.
“We are fa-mi-ly I got all my sisters (and my Mom & Dad) with me!” Megan captioned a family selfie at the time.
“I can’t believe in two days I’ll be singing at the Sydney Opera House!!! And to make it even better, I’ve got my family here to experience this Australian adventure with me!”
