Family and Colleagues of Dr. Kenneth Mike Rice React to the Crash and Announce Funeral Details

Following the single-engine plane crash that claimed the life of Lubbock physician Dr. Kenneth Rice, separate statements have been released by his family and colleagues at the University Medical Center Health System.

In a statement released via Landtroop Strategies, the family expressed gratitude for all the outpouring of support they have received and painted the picture of a man was active in local charities:

"Texas Tech Medical School graduate, local Internist and Founder/CEO of Mighty Wash, Dr. Kenneth Mike Rice was known for serving others. Mighty Wash alone has away [sic] over $77,000 to area charities because he was that kind of man and leader. He expected excellence from those around him and demanded it of himself first and foremost. He will be greatly missed."

University Medical Center said in a statement that Dr. Rice had been with the system since 1997 and was an internal medicine physician specializing in diabetes.

"Mike Rice blessed his family, his patients, the Texas Tech School of Medicine and UMC," said David Allison, UMC president and CEO. "I have known Dr. Rice as a friend and colleague for 20 years. Our prayers are with his wife Sandy, daughter Heidi and staff."

A celebration of life will be held for Dr. Rice at the Lakeridge chapel at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, with services at Trinity Church the following Monday at 10 a.m.

The family has requested anyone wishing to show support with flowers to instead make a donation to the American Diabetes Association.