The following is a statement from the Denver parents of two of the children killed in a Gearhart, Ore. vacation home when a plane crashed into the house last Monday:

Also: Community memorial service in Gearhart

Dear St. Anne's Community:

Photo courtesy: Daily Astorian

This aerial view shows the devastation from the plane crash and house fire.

We want to thank all of you for your kind messages and expressions of support. Marie, Elizabeth, and I are struggling tremendously with our terrible loss. Many of our family and friends are with us now, working to help us get through the minutes and hours, each of which is a challenge. Everyone should know that we appreciate their messages and are sorry not to respond to them personally at this time. We are simply overwhelmed.

Marie, Elizabeth, and I would ask that those who wish can honor our children by sending a donation to the Sam and Grace Masoudi Memorial Fund at St. Anne's Episcopal School. Although we appreciate any support, we would prefer this over any other gesture.

We are arranging for a service. We are planning for it to be at St. Anne's, but don't know the date. We will let you know.

Finally, we know that it will be awkward when we see each other again. It is our hope that our friends will be able to overcome this awkwardness rather than avoid it. Asking us how we are, and speaking of Sam and Grace will not increase our suffering. We ask that you continue to speak of them, to ask us about them so we can tell their stories--which is our story. This is something that will always be on our minds. Please reach out to us, and live with us when we cry. We are so grateful to have friends to support us because so much was taken away from us.

Your dear friends,

Fred Masoudi, Marie Johnson, and Elizabeth Masoudi

forever with Sammy and Grace

On August 4th, Sam and Grace Masoudi died when a single-engine plane crashed into the Gearhart, Ore. home where they were vacationing. Sam was 12 years old and entering the 7th grade at St. Anne's. Grace was 8 years old and a soon to be third grader.

At the time of the accident, Sam and Grace were staying in a house with their aunt and their cousins. Their cousin Julia Reimann (age 10) also died. Christopher Reimann (age 13), Sarah Reimann (age 11), and their mother, Ruth Johnson Reimann survived.

They are receiving care in a specialized burn unit at a Portland hospital. Elizabeth, Fred and Marie were staying in a nearby house at the time of the accident.

Dr. Frederick Masoudi and Dr. Marie Johnson have established a fund in memory of their two children Hesam “Sam” Farrar Masoudi and Grace Dorothy Masoudi.

Those wishing to honor the Masoudi children are asked to send contributions to St. Anne’s Episcopal School, 2701 South York Street, Denver, CO 80210. Please write “Sam and Grace Masoudi Memorial Fund" in the memo section of your check.