Allen & Overy lawyer killed in Nepal plane crash

Ben Ogden, 27, was among the 19 people killed – seven of whom were British – when a plane heading for the Everest region reportedly crashed into a river bank and caught fire, just minutes after taking off from Kathmandu.

The plane, operated by domestic carrier Sita Air, was taking passengers to a base camp in the Everest region, where they were to begin a 16-day trek in the Himalayas. No one aboard the plane survived.

Ogden had recently finished his training contract at A&O and was on a qualification break before starting as an associate in the firm’s employment team in London.

A spokesman for A&O said in a statement: “”Everyone at Allen & Overy is deeply shocked and saddened by the news that Ben Ogden was one of 19 people who were tragically killed in a plane crash in Nepal this morning. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. As well as being an excellent lawyer, Ben was a very popular member of the firm. Ben had recently qualified and it was clear to everyone that he had an incredibly promising career ahead of him. Ben will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”