Hero of all Heroes: Dad Dies While ‘Bear-Hugging’ Daughter During Plane Crash, Saves Her Life

By Peyton Phillips November 30, 2021
“He gave the best bear hugs, and I believe he grabbed our daughter and protected her," said the girl's mom.

An 11-year-old girl, Laney, was the sole survivor of a plane crash in Beaver Island, Michigan earlier this month. The last thing Laney remembers is her dad, Mike Perdue, ‘bear-hugging’ her to protect her and keep her safe as the plane went down.

Mike Perdue was one of four people that died in the crash. Laney was critically injured, but is in the hospital and now in stable condition.

Laney’s mom, Christina Perdue, told ABC News: “He gave the best bear hugs, and I believe he grabbed our daughter and protected her.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help support the Perdue family, which has raised more than $155k. Dana Bensinger, a family friend who started the GoFundMe page, said Laney has “a lot of broken bones, but she’s a trooper and a fighter.”

Bensinger added that Mike “loved his family, faith and Beaver Island.” She also said that Christina “is an amazing Beaver Island native. She’s been focusing on getting Laney healed and is touched by the love and support.”

The small, twin-engine plane went down around 1:30 p.m. on a Saturday, and the cause of the crash is still being investigated.

Image source: Up North Live