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Plane Crash Causes 2nd Family Death in a Month
Investigators look over the debris left by the Learjet on the outskirts of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (AP Photo/Brett Flashnick)
The Van Nuys-bound Learjet carrying DJ AM and former Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker that crashed Saturday morning killing four others has sad twist. One of the victims, Chris Baker who was Barker's personal assistant, lost his brother last month. "Baker's death was the second tragedy to hit the family. Last month, Baker's 24-year-old brother, Rob, was killed in a motorcycle in Sacramento," the SacBee reported.
Three others died including the two pilots, Sarah Lemmon and James Bland, and Charles Still, a member of Barker's entourage. AM and Barker survived the crash and are in critical condition. A memorial has been set up at Barker's Fast Life Store on La Cienega.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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