Belmopan, Belize 26 February (Belizean.com) Sir Barry Bowen, well- known Belize business magnate died today in an airplane crash just short of the runway at San Pedro Ambergris Caye according to radio and T.V. news reports monitored here. It is reported that Sir Barry was piloting his modified Cessna 206 turboprop when the aircraft experienced difficulties on landing approach, clipped a pole on a barge about half mile from the runway with its landing gear, and then crashed into a a marshy area near a boatyard adjacent to the San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye municipal airport.

Four other persons were in the aircraft including two children who also perished in the accident which happened at about 5:30 p.m. local time (Belize is minus -6 G.M.T). Sir Barry headed the Bowen group of companies that includes the Belize Coca Cola franchise, the Belikin Brewery (the only brewery in Belize) the Ford Automobile Distributorship, the Chan Chic Tourism Lodge and Belize Aquaculture Ltd. one of the largest shrimp farms in Belize. Sir Barry resided on San Pedro Ambergris Caye and commuted to work in Belize city on his private aircraft. This is a breaking story.

Updated February 27. State Funeral for Sir Barry Bowen who was also a former Senator is scheduled for Tuesday in Belize City. Picture of plane crash scene below courtesy of Ambergris Today:

Further Update 27 February: The identities of the other passengers who perished in the accident have been disclosed by local media as U.S. nationals Michael and Jill Casey and their two young children. The Casey family is from Albany, N.Y. and were employees of Sir Barry Bowen teaching at a school Sir Barry operated at Gallon Jug, Belize, near his Chan Chich Tourist Resort.