Guelph pilot and coffee entrepreneur Steve Zago dies in weekend plane crash near Fergus, Ont.

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An airline pilot and a co-founder of a Guelph-based business died in a plane crash near Fergus over the weekend.  

Lost Aviator Coffee Company co-founder, Steve Zago, was one of two men killed in a single aircraft crash that occurred in a field near the intersection of Beatty Line and Wellington Rd., in Fergus on Saturday morning at about 10:15 a.m. 

“It is with heavy hearts that we grieve the loss of co-founder of Lost Aviator Coffee Company Steve Zago,” coffee company co-founder Adam Wright said in a written statement. “He died suddenly in a flying accident doing what he loved.” 

Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie posted a tribute to Zabo on social media on Saturday.  

“Sudden and very sad news of a local entrepreneur that so many knew and loved across our city,” Guthrie posted. “Steve was so positive and instilled a mindset into his store(s) and to others that was contagious. To the co-workers, family and friends we send out prayers to you all during this time.” 

Beer to beans

Wright and Zago founded the coffee company in 2020. The idea came about during the COVID years when the pandemic disrupted their flying careers. Zabo had the name in his back pocket for a microbrewery, but a conversation with Wright led them both into the world of java.  

Zabo was also a training coordinator with the Waterloo Warbirds. He joined the team in the spring of 2017.  

“The Waterloo Warbirds team extends our deepest condolences to Steve’s wife Holly, his family, Lost Aviator business partner and friend Adam, their staff, and his friends and colleagues,” the Warbirds posted online. “We also share our condolences with the family and friends of the second pilot who lost their life in the accident. Steve will be missed by all of us at Waterloo Warbirds. Blue skies, Steve!” 

The police said both occupants of the plane died at the scene. There are no other reported injuries. 

The incident remains under investigation. The second person’s identity has not been released.

“The Transportation Safety Board is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a small aircraft accident that occurred in Wellington County,” the TSB said on ‘X.’ “The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.” 

ganderson@postmedia.com

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