Four associates of a law firm die in a plane crash

A small law firm, the law firm of 20 Peterson Bernard lawyers in Florida, suffered a catastrophic loss: four of the firm's shareholders died in a plane crash Friday afternoon. A twin-engine Piper aircraft traveling from Tampa to West Palm Beach crashed about 400 meters from the shores of Lake Okeechobee. Everyone on board – Peterson partners Bernard, Eric Peterson, Edwin Mortell, Heather Bridwell and Matthew Fiorello, as well as the pilot, Eduardo Mulet – died in the accident.

The lawyers were coming back from a meeting with a prospective client. Although the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are still investigating the cause of the accident, Law.com reports that the aircraft may have had a problem that required its diversion to the airport. Pahokee airport:

The plane was diverted to Pahokee airport because there was a "problem" with this plane, said Fiorello's wife at the Palm Beach Post, citing an SMS sent shortly before the accident.

The firm has a memorial to the memory of deceased lawyers on their home page.

Peterson, 73, co-founded the company in 1981 and was the managing partner of the West Palm Beach office. His practice focused on the responsibility of contractors and roads, the responsibility of architects and engineers, and the responsibility for premises, with a focus on alcohol liability, negligent safety and litigation. fraudulent arrest.

Mortell, 54, was the Managing Partner of the firm's Stuart office, specializing in medical malpractice claims, wrongful death claims, architectural and engineering responsibilities, real estate brokers and estate agents, motor vehicles, tenants and claims in tort.

Bridwell, 43, worked at Stuart's office with a practice that included defense in insurance, motor vehicle liability, wrongful death, professional liability, construction defects, general liability, defense of first-party property and work on appeal.

Fiorello, 36, was based in West Palm Beach, a shareholder of the company. His practice focused on contractor / road liability, motor vehicle liability, premises liability, construction defects and criminal defense.

Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of those lost in this difficult time.

Kathryn Rubino is editor-in-chief at Above the Law and host of The Jabot podcast. The AtL prognosticators are the best, so connect with it. Do not hesitate to send him any advice, questions or comments and follow him on Twitter (@ Kathryn1).