EMBED >More News Videos The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed 2 people died when a small plane crashed while attempting to land at RDU.

We’re learning a Florida veterinarian and his wife were killed in the plane crash. Dr. Harvey Partridge founded an animal hospital near Tampa. The office is closed today because of the unexpected loss. #ABC11 pic.twitter.com/VnzfoPrfdX — Elaina Athans (@AthansABC11) October 21, 2019

EMBED >More News Videos Florida veterinarian, wife killed in plane crash at Umstead Park while attempting to land at RDU

No sign yet of a missing Piper PA32 plane that vanished from radar en route to RDU Sunday night. Search & rescue operation by several agencies resumes after sunup in Umstead Park, where it’s very dark, woods are thick and access is limited. @ABC11_WTVD pic.twitter.com/YGj5oQTrRT — Anthony Wilson (@AnthonyABC11) October 21, 2019

RALEIGH -- The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed two people died in an apparent plane crash Sunday night at Umstead State Park in Raleigh. The agency confirmed the deaths after search crews found the missing plane that disappeared from radar at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.Crews found wreckage of the private plane on Umstead State Park's Reedy Creek Multi-Use Trail Monday around 10 a.m.The two people who died have been identified as Dr. Harvey Partridge and Patricia Partridge, both 72, of Terra Ceia, Florida.The pilot, Dr. Harvey Partridge, is a veterinarian in Florida. His wife, affectionately called Pat, was also on board when the plane went down.Dr. Partridge founded an animal hospital near Tampa.The 72-year-old was described as an experienced pilot.Below is a statement from the Partridge Animal Hospital, and its staff:Partridge was known as a champion for animals --including the police K9s at St. Pete Police."Just a warm person, just a nice human being; definitely going to be missed," said Sgt. Todd Hancock."Titan," a K9 officer, was shot by a suspect in March. Partridge nursed the animal back to health. The dog is now back in service."Multiple times (the Partridges) actually come out in the middle of the night to service some of our dogs that have been hurt," added Sgt. Christopher Turbee. "(The family) is so very accommodating. We're very thankful for everything they've always done for us."The plane was on approach from Columbus, Georgia."Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the Partridges," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. "I want to thank our mutual aid partners for their collaborative effort throughout this difficult event."Chopper11 HD showed part of the plane stuck along some trees in the park. The crash site was just over a mile southeast of Runway 32, near Reedy Creek Road."This morning after a very exhaustive search, the missing aircraft was located near the Reedy Creek Creek Multi-Use Trail at Umstead State Park," said Sgt. Baker with the Highway Patrol. "I can confirm as a result of this crash, two casualties were located by investigators. Responders are continuing to evaluate the site. We ask that everyone avoid the area until further notice."According to RDU, the plane disappeared from radar Sunday evening as it was landing just before 7:25. The airport said a small general aviation aircraft approaching RDU was lost on radar somewhere near the park.An alert issued by the FAA said the aircraft was a Piper PA32 headed to Runway 32 when contact was lost.The park is roughly 5,200 acres of dense forest just east of the airport. There are few roads and little to no lights, which complicated the search. The park is closed Monday.Park visitors were in shock as they approached the area Monday morning."It was just a very strange feeling that-that just when I decided to go for a walk-somebody lost their lives here," said Alex Bykhovski.Sunday night, a Highway Patrol helicopter searched for a heat signature from the ground -- a signal typical of a crash landing. Fire and rescue crews left for the night around 3 a.m. The search resumed Monday around 6:30 a.m. The search grid inside the park was narrowed.The Raleigh Fire Department led the search effort. RDU was briefly closed.RDU airport personnel, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, N.C. Park Rangers, Raleigh Police Department, Wake County EMS, Wake County Sheriff's Department, Wake County Emergency Management, Wake County Fire Services, Durham Highway Fire Department, Cary Fire Department and Cary EMS are all assisted in the search.