Former Santa Monica mayor dies in plane crash on city's beach

A former mayor of the California city of Santa Monica died after a plane he was riding in crashed in the surf on the city's beach this week. 

Rex Minter reportedly died shortly after the violent crash that occurred near the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Footage of the crash was caught on video and circulated on social media Thursday and Friday. 

The pilot of the flight had reported to local air traffic control officials that he was experiencing difficulties with the craft's engine and would be attempting an emergency landing on the beach.

An air traffic specialist reportedly told the pilot that ""landing on the beach will be at your own risk," to which the pilot replied: "I wish I had another choice."