18-year-old pilot dies after crashing single-engine plane in Wauwatosa neighborhood

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An 18-year-old from Brookfield, who crashed a single-engine plane in a Wauwatosa neighborhood, has passed away from his injuries. 

According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, Daniel Perelman was on one of his first solo flights when his plane crashed Thursday, May 26. 

The ME's office says Perelman suffered severe head trauma. 

Perelman's plane crashed after taking off from Timmerman Airport. On Air Traffic Control radio, the pilot was clearly in distress, saying his engine had failed.

A Brookfield Academy graduate, Perelman was a student pilot in training. He just finished his first year at Northwestern University studying physics. He planned to become an orthopedic surgeon. 

The airplane was a student aircraft and was a single Cessna 152.

Family says Perelman's first flight was in April in the same plane. 

In a statement Monday, May 30, Chabad Jewish Center of Waukesha County said:

"It is with many tears, and heavy hearts, that we inform you of the tragic passing of Daniel Andrew Perelman of Brookfield. Daniel was full of energy and curiosity, a gentle soul, and beloved by all who knew him. He leaves behind his parents, sister, grandparents, aunts uncles, classmates, friends and all those who knew him and loved him. In the Jewish tradition, remembering a loved one or friend is not a passive endeavor. Instead, to truly remember is to incorporate a behavior, a positive trait or action into our lives, thereby memorializing the life and contributions of the one we loved. In consultation with Daniel’s parents, Chabad of Waukesha has established the Deeds for Daniel Memorial Drive. Please join and take on a positive deed of goodness and kindness in commemoration of the life and positivity of Daniel. Visit deedsfordaniel.com to share what you have committed to do in his memory."