Brooklyn Borough President

MARKOWITZ VISITS CONEY ISLAND FAMILY WHO SURVIVED PLANE CRASH IN PERU

Photographs by Lillian Ho

Borough President Welcomes Vivas Family Home with Junior’s Cheesecake

On Thursday, September 8, Borough President Marty Markowitz visited the Vivas family in Coney Island to welcome home relatives who survived a plane crash in Peru . Marty officially welcomed Jose, his wife Vilma, and their daughters back to Brooklyn today with a Junior’s cheesecake, proclaiming it Vivas Family Day in Brooklyn , USA .

Jose Vivas and his three daughters Joshelyn, Jacquelyn and Jharlin, along with Jose’s brother, Gabriel Vivas and wife Diana, survived when a Peru TANS jet nearing Pucallpa , a town north of Lima , crashed on August 23 during strong winds and torrential rains. Approximately 100 people were on board, and luckily over half survived, including the six Vivas family members who were seated toward the back of the aircraft. Jose and his family flew back to Brooklyn early this morning. Gabriel and Diana returned on August 30.

“I’m physically good and mentally happy to be with family and people that love me, but I still have some sadness about the people who died on the same plane,” said Jose Vivas. In response to the Borough President’s visit, Jose added, “I have a smile on my face. We are very grateful that Mr. Markowitz took time to come see us. The cheesecake was delicious — my mom had two pieces.”

“I salute and commend the Vivas family, who are the very embodiment of courage under fire — courage which no doubt springs from their residency on Brooklyn soil,” said Borough President Markowitz. “I join the Vivas extended family in celebrating the joyful return of their loved ones, and I thank the entire family for representing the spirit, strength, and love of life that burns brightly in the hearts of all Brooklynites.”

In photo: Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz presents the Vivas family with a Proclamation naming the day in their honor. From left: Borough President Markowitz; Jose Vivas; daughters Jacquelyn, Joshelyn, and Jharlin; wife Vilma; brother Gabriel and wife Diana Vivas.