Family fear the worst after Brazil plane crash

5:00pm Thursday 15th May 2008

THE Brazilian authorities have called off a search for a Taunton Rotarian who went missing after a plane crash off the South American coast.

Rescue teams launched a huge search for finance director Nigel Hodges, 52, and three other Britons who were flying in the Cessna light aircraft when it vanished off the north-east coast of Brazil on May 2.

Wreckage was found washed up on a beach on Tuesday of last week about 90km north of their destination, Ilheus.

But no bodies were found and the search was called off last Friday.

Mr Hodges, of North Petherton, who was checking out a property development opportunity for Diamond Lifestyle Holdings, which has it registered office in Taunton.

He previously worked for the former Taunton Cider, based in Norton Fitzwarren.

His wife, Maureen, and son, Elliot, flew back home on Sunday after travelling to Brazil to join the search.

They held a memorial service for Mr Hodges in Brazil, when prayers were read and flowers thrown into the sea.

Elliot said of their time in Brazil: "Even though we were obviously shell-shocked by the news, mum didn't let her emotions get the better of her and got on with trying to find out as much information as possible from the consulate."

He added: "It still hasn't really sunk in yet that now we are without our father and my mum is without her husband."

The family are considering holding a memorial service next Thursday, which would have been Mr Hodges's birthday.