MELBOURNE, Florida – Premier Theater issued the statement regarding the passing of Rob Kurrus, Justin Gaines, and Chris Franklin who died in a plane crash at Melbourne International Airport:
A devastating blow has hit the Premiere Theater family. Pete Woods was informed last night that Rob Kurrus, his best friend and business partner in The Oaks 10 Theaters, and two of their dear managers, Justin Gaines and Chris Franklin, perished in a plane crash in Melbourne, Florida.
“Rob was my best friend. He and his family are my family.” said Pete Woods. “Rob was a great family man, with a positive attitude and a big heart. He was a very creative thinker, always fun, energetic and willing to try anything. He and his wife have done an incredible job of raising their amazing children, and my heart pours out to them all. We have been extremely blessed to have had Rob and his passion in our lives.”
“Justin and Chris were both great guys that had been with us almost from the beginning,” Mr. Woods said. “Their dedication and exemplary service is something that cannot be replaced. They both brought a fun personality to our theater family and were loved by us all. They will be greatly missed.”
“While the Oaks family has suffered a tragic and staggering loss, our thoughts go first to the families of these three irreplaceable men.” said Jim Murrish, General Manager of Premiere Theaters. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to all of their loved ones. With their passing, not only have we lost our co-workers, we have lost three dear friends and brothers.”
Rob was a hometown boy, graduate of Satellite High, who loved Brevard. A believer in “giving back,” Rob was a well known philanthropist and adventurer that lived life to the fullest. Justin and Chris were both fun-loving, good-hearted young men. They were longtime friends. When they weren’t putting in long hours at the theater, they could often be found enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.
Chris is survived by his wife, two year old daughter and one year old son.
Donations to help support the young families of the managers lost in the accident may be made to the Justin Gaines Family Fund Account # 148116261 and the Chris Franklin Family Fund Account # 148116288 at any BB&T Bank. The Kurrus family has requested that any memorial donations should go to help the families of Justin and Chris. Memorial services for Chris and Justin are tentatively set up for Tuesday, March 6th with further information to follow.
We are also very thankful for the incredible outpouring of support from friends and the community. Our prayers are with the families of our dear friends.
Images courtesy of: Pete Woods and Premier Theater
