Have you heard about the doctor who wrote a goodbye note before he died in a plane crash? Today’s MSNBC website tells the story: Dr. James Hall was flying with a sick friend to Mayo Clinic last Friday when their plane went down over Lake Michigan. The pilot was rescued; Dr. Hall apparently died, along with the co-pilot, the patient and his wife.

Imagine Dr. Hall’s position. His plane took off from Alma, Michigan about 9 AM Friday. His pilot had flown many people to Mayo Clinic over the years; he checked the plane on Thursday and had no concerns. Less than an hour later, however, he reported mechanical problems to the air traffic control tower in Minneapolis.

Battling a strong headwind over the lake, he decided to return to Michigan. The passengers prepared for an emergency landing over 68 degree water with two to four foot waves. Authorities said on Saturday that survivors could not have lasted more than a day in such waters. Just seven minutes before their plane plummeted into Lake Michigan, Dr. Hall wrote his farewell message.