Newlywed couple described as 'kind  and charitable' die along with their two dogs after their plane crashed in a snowstorm just after take-off on flight to see their family

A newlywed couple described as 'compassionate and charitable' have died along with their two dogs after their plane crashed in a snowstorm just after take-off.   

Allison Wheaton, 43, and Randy Strebig, 60, who married in September after 18 years together, were killed in the accident near Ludington in Michigan. 

Their two dogs Bernadette and Jack were also in the plane with them.  

The couple had taken off from Mason County Airport on Sunday on a flight to see their family when tragedy struck, killing the couple, who were known by many in the Lake James community.

The fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft they were piloting came down in a field near the Mason County Airport in Ludington and burst into flames. 

Police say they were called to the scene around 10 a.m. and video showed emergency services combing the area in snowy conditions. The cause of the crash is as yet unknown. 

'The fire was extinguished quickly but the plane is totally destroyed and unfortunately two people have perished in the plane crash,' Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole said.

Leaders with International Seaplane Fly-in in Maine shared an emotional message about the couple, noting that they were treasured members of the fly-in community. 

The group said the couple was known for flying out to Greenville from Indiana each year.

'They were also known for being kind, compassionate, and charitable individuals who were always willing to jump in at a moment's notice to get things done,' the post reads.

Strebig, who loved barefoot skiing and taking part in extreme sports such as skydiving, was the founder of Strebig Construction in Fort Wayne, a residential remodeling, roofing, and concrete business. 

Wheaton was the Executive Director of Summit Equestrian Center and worked on issues affecting US veterans and horse initiatives. 

She facilitated programming through her organization's horse-riding therapy group, The Cavalry, that helps vets with trauma healing and PTSD. 

Images shared after the deaths showed Strebig carrying an elderly woman through the water after giving her a ride in his float plane a few years ago at the fly-in that he had created. 

The Allen County Bord of Commissioners said in a statement: 'The Allen County Board of Commissioners was saddened to hear about the tragic loss of two important Allen County figures – husband and wife, Randy Strebig and Allison Wheaton.

'Randy Strebig founded Strebig Construction 43 years ago. His locally owned and operated business has helped build Allen County's economy. Hiring locally and generating business revenues, helping local companies and organizations build and expand has positively impacted our region. He was a great community partner and will be greatly missed.'

It said of Allison: 'Her broad smile, work ethic, genuine compassion for people and animals and dedication to former servicemen and women will not be forgotten.'

Commissioner Rich Beck said: 'Both Randy and Allison were tremendous individuals. They were community-minded, caring, heartfelt.' 

He added: 'Allison built The Cavalry from nothing to become a program that helped vets in the dark side of their life realize that life is worth living. Her program was that impactful. It is our desire to see that it continues.'