THE CHAIRMAN of the Powerscourt estate, whose family founded the Slazenger sports brand, has died as a result of injuries sustained in an aircraft crash at the weekend.
Retired anaesthetist Dr Michael Slazenger (69) was piloting the single-engine aircraft which crashed as it attempted to land at a private airstrip on the Co Wicklow estate on Saturday afternoon.
He died from his injuries at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, in the early hours of yesterday morning. His friend Noel Whitney (66), who was a passenger on the aircraft, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on Saturday.
Dr Slazenger managed the 4,000-acre Powerscourt estate which his father Ralph purchased in 1961 after selling the Slazenger company to Dunlop. He retired from St Vincent’s University Hospital in 2005.
In a statement issued on behalf of his family and the Powerscourt company, he was described as “a devoted family man, a keen golfer and skier and for many years an aviation enthusiast.
“His tragic and untimely death has shocked his family and many friends, the management, staff and members of Powerscourt Golf Club and the local community in which he has been an integral part,” the statement said.
Dr Slazenger was an active member of the golf club where he held the position of president since it opened in October 1996.
The family thanked all those who had offered support and said its thoughts were with Mr Whitney’s family during these “tragic and difficult times”.
The remains of the single-engine two-seater Falco aircraft remained at the site of the crash yesterday as the initial examination was completed.
However the wreckage is expected to be brought to Gormanston Army camp, in Co Meath, today for further tests, according to Leo Murray, an inspector with the Air Accident Investigation Unit in the Department of Transport.
He said the initial report on the accident would be completed in a month.
Dr Slazenger is survived by his wife Noreen, his daughters Marianne, Sarah and Liz. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Kristan, William, Leila, Leo, Sam Holly, Josh and Lara. He is also survived by his siblings Wendy, Jonie, John and Peter.
A service of thanksgiving for Dr Slazenger will take place at noon on Thursday in St Patrick’s Church, Powerscourt, Enniskerry.
The burial afterwards is private.
