Friends mourn teacher lost in Hamptons plane crash

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Nearly a week after the tragic plane crash off Quogue, loved ones of Dr. Jennifer Landrum — who was on the flight along with Richard P. Terbrus and pilot Munidat “Raj” Persaud — are mourning her loss .

Trevor Roberson, principal at Thomson High School in Thomson, GA, where Landrum taught special education, shared a heartfelt statement with Patch:

“I worked with Dr. Jennifer Landrum in the Warren County School System from 2013 to 2017 and at Thomson High School from August of this year until her untimely death on Saturday. Dr Landrum truly loved teaching. She was always looking for ways to improve herself professionally, which is evidenced by the number of degrees and certifications she held.”

She was certified to teach English, history and special education, as well as certified educational leadership, meaning she had the credentials to become a principal or even a superintendent, she said.

“When I hired her at Warren County High School several years ago, she told me she was willing
to get whatever certificate he needed to help the school. On more than one occasion, he attended technology conferences to look for new ways to bring technology into the classroom to enhance student learning,” Roberson said. “Dr. Landrum was a thinker and problem solver. He was always looking for ways to make things better. If he saw a problem, he didn't come to me and say there was a problem I needed to fix, he came to me and said, “I think we have a problem and if that's okay with you, then I think we can work it out.” Regardless of
problem, its solution would always be well thought out.”

Reflecting on his friend and colleague, Roberson said, “Dr. Landrum had a keen sense of style. Her signature look was a white business suit with a colorful blouse and accessories. Although she was always impeccably dressed, she was not she was a person who just stood back and watched things happen. She was always willing to jump in and work. She was willing to do whatever it was
he asked to do it, and he would do it with a willing heart and a smile on his face. On several occasions, he worked the football concession stand or sold tickets at the basketball or football gate. If she got an ink stain on her pants, it would upset her students, but it didn't bother Dr. Ludrum, because while it was important to look professional, it didn't go beyond the work she was doing.'

Dr. Ludrum loved her students and colleagues, she said. “She always rewarded her students for good behavior. She spent a lot of time and effort with them and to her, they were all good kids. I don't think I ever heard her raise her voice in anger. Her mood was always bright and sunny and she was quick to bring pizza or donuts to school for students and colleagues alike. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. We will miss her bright and loving spirit.”

According to her obituary: “She was a dedicated educator, who inspired her students and colleagues. A cherished philosophy, 'you can't lead from behind,' marked her career. She was an outgoing person, loved life, children her, her parents, her Family, friends and would never back down from a challenge – in fact, she sought challenges. She enjoyed traveling, good food and meeting new friends. Dr. Landrum was a member of Magnolia Baptist Church .”

According to thecount.com, Terbrusch, 53, of Ridgefield, CT, was a high-profile divorce and family law attorney.

In an interview Tuesday, Katie Cloneris, who was an assistant to Terbrusch at the Terbrusch law firm in Danburty, CT, where he was the sole intern, the news was very unexpected. “It's a very difficult time for his family,” she said, adding that he leaves behind a child.

“He was very close to his family,” Kloneris said. “He was also well known throughout the polo community,” where he was on a polo team, she said.

Remembering her employer and friend, she said: “He always had a smile on his face. He was very energetic, never sitting around always going, taking care of something for someone. He never said no. He always tried to do his best no matter what he was asking for. That was something I looked up to him for.”
She added that Terbrusch took her under his wing in the business. “He was very good to me and taught me a lot about the law firm. I am grateful for the knowledge he gave me.”

According to a post on 12 WRDW.com, Landrum was a beloved special education teacher at Thomson High School in Thomson, GA. “She was beautiful. She was just a wonderful person and a wonderful mother. She has two children,” Carol Landrum, Jennifer's mother, said in this article.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of the people on board,” said Capt. Kevin Reed, commander of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. “We are grateful to the emergency responders who assisted in the search efforts.”

According to the NYPD, the first man spotted Saturday was identified as Munidat “Raj” Persaud, 41, of Waterbury, CT.aid.

In an update at noon Sunday, the USCG said it was a surfer who called Southampton police at 11:10 a.m. on Saturday to say they had seen a plane go down in the water about a mile south of Quogue. Police notified wardens at Sector Long Island Sound.

Before the crash, three people were aboard the twin-engine Piper PA-34 at Danbury Municipal Airport in Connecticut, the USCG said.

According to the USCG, at 11:10 a.m. Saturday, keepers at Sector Long Island Sound were notified by Southampton police that a twin-engine Piper PA-34 had crashed into the water about a mile south of Quogue.

Guardsmen then dispatched a boat crew from Station Shinnecock in a 47' lifeboat, the USCG said.

It's the second time in recent months that a small plane crash has led to loss of life and broken hearts in the Hamptons: In June, a crash off Amagansett claimed the lives of Ben and Bonnie Krupinski, their grandson William Maerov and pilot Jon Dollard. , leaving broken hearts.

Photo lead patch courtesy of Beggs Funeral Home.
Patch photo of Richard P. Terbrusch courtesy of Terbrusch Law Firm.