Haris Suleman had a goal: to become the youngest person to fly around the world in a single-engine plane in 30 days. Suleman and his father, Babar, were undertaking the trip in an attempt to raise $1 million in charity for , an organization that builds schools in Pakistan.
Tragically, the 17-year-old’s tripand lifewere cut short when he and his father crashed Tuesday after leaving Pago Pago, American Samoa.There is no indication as to what caused the crash, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
confirmed Suleman’s body has been recovered, and authorities are still searching for his father. The duo started their journey on and planned to fly the 26,000-mile trip in exactly 30 days, with stops in 25 cities around the globe.The Sulemans were on the final leg of the flight, with stops planned for Hawaii and California, before arriving home in Plainfield, Indiana.
Suleman’s sister, Hiba, posted a message on Facebook in honor of her brother and father.
I’d like to thank everyone for their support of my father and brother throughout this trip, as well as for the support given to my mom, brother, and myself as we waited for their safe return. Haris has been found; he did not make it. My father has not yet been found. Please pray that my dad is found alive and well. Also, hug your siblings and parentstell them you love them, a hundred times. A thousand times. It will never feel like it’s been said quite often enough.