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East Hampton contractor Ben Krupinski among 4 dead in plane crash

Krupinski's wife, grandson and the plane's pilot are also believed to have died in the crash

(Credit: USFWS)
(Credit: USFWS)

A plane carrying luxury home contractor Ben Krupinski, his wife Bonnie Bistrian Krupinski, 22-year-old grandson William Maerov and pilot Jon Dollard crashed yesterday afternoon.

The plane went down about a mile off the Long Island coastline near Indian Wells Beach on Saturday afternoon around 2:50 p.m., according to the New York Post.

The East Hampton Town Police confirmed to ABC affiliate WFTV 9 that all four people on board died in the crash, which is now being investigated.

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Ben Krupinski has worked with architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Peter Marino & Associates, Robert A.M. Stern Architect and Selldorf Architects on residential projects throughout the Hamptons, Montauk and Connecticut, according to his website. His star-studded roster of clients included Billy Joel, Christie Brinkley and Martha Stewart, among others.

Together, Ben and Bonnie Krupinski built a real estate empire worth about $150 million, according to the Post, which included East Hampton restaurants the 1770 House, East Hampton Point and Cittanuova, the latter of which they had been scheduled to dine Saturday evening. With Bonnie’s family, the couple also owned the East Hampton Golf Club, according to the East Hampton Star.

According to the Post, the restaurant closed for the night and workers and patrons gathered later that evening to pay their respects. [NYP]Erin Hudson

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