Witnesses still stunned by Halladay's plane crash

HOLIDAY (FOX 13) - Boaters in the Gulf of Mexico unexpectedly caught the last moments of life for former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay.

FOX 13 obtained witness video through TMZ Sports which shows Halladay's Icon A5 plane going up and down over Gulf waters Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses in the video rush over once they realize the plane plummeted into waters only four feet deep.

National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) officials and forensics crews removed the plane wreckage on Wednesday.

Nearby residents explained they're still coming to grips with the tragedy that played out only a quarter-mile offshore.

"I was happened to be here when took his body out of the water and I just cringed and it's unbelievable, that's all I can say," said resident Debi Jarecki.

LINK: Watch the video from TMZ (warning; foul language)

Much of the plane was still intact when officials pulled it to shore, but federal officials say answers to what happened and why won't come fast. The plane itself we're told will be moved to a secure facility to be examined further.

"The full investigation will take approximately one to two years," said NTSB investigator Noreen Price. "We will not determine probable cause of the accident while we're here on scene nor will we speculate about what may have caused the accident."

Meanwhile, the mourning process continues for those who knew the baseball great. Pasco County sheriff's officials are holding on to Halladay's memory through K9 deputy, Doc.

It was money Halladay donated that helped the county purchase him.

Officials say a preliminary report of the crash should be available in 7 to 10 days. Icon, the plane's manufacturer is cooperating in the investigation.