Tragedy in Missouri: Families Begin Identifying Loved Ones Lost in a Deadly Skydiving Plane Crash
The aircraft, carrying 11 passengers and a pilot, crashed near Butler Memorial Airport and burst into flames after going down in a field Sunday morning. While authorities have not yet officially released the victims' names, grieving family members, friends, and colleagues are already sharing heartfelt tributes and memories of those lost.
As investigators work to determine what caused the crash, a community is left mourning an unimaginable loss.
Jen Sharp
Jen Sharp was the technology director for Skydive KC's governing body, the United States Parachute Association. The association identified her in an article on its website.
Jen was a remarkable force whose passion for the skies was matched only by her dedication to the people in our sport," USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold said in a statement.
"Her loss leaves an unfillable void in our office, our community, and our hearts. We are incredibly grateful for the years of laughter, innovation, and friendship we shared with her," he continued.
Rhonda Vuletich, a former classmate of Sharp's at Kansas State University, told local outlet KSHB-TV that Sharp discovered skydiving in her freshman year.
"I remember her coming back and being so excited that she had done it," Vuletich said. "She was just in love. She absolutely loved it and couldn't wait to do more of it. And so, off she went."
She knew the risks that were there, but she loved it so much," the former classmate added.
Michael Shanahan
Michael Shanahan was identified in a GoFundMe campaign that Brandon Carney, a childhood friend of his son, set up for the family.
Shanahan, a 54-year-old father and grandfather, was on his way to his 23rd tandem jump, according to the fundraiser.
"He was a humble human and a very dedicated native to the city," Carney wrote. "He loved his friends and this man worked very hard."
His mother, Gloria Shanahan, told The Kansas City Star that he began skydiving after his sister Nikki Minick died from breast cancer in 2016.
"Michael saw her working so hard to survive that he decided then to enjoy life," she said.
Shanahan, who lived in Kansas City, was set to retire from his job as a sheet metal worker in a year's time, the outlet reported.
Carney wrote of Shanahan: "I've watch this man give what he didn't have to help others and I've watched him love harder than most. The world lost an amazing man."
Dave Hershberger
The North Kansas City School District told local schools that orchestra teacher Dave Hershberger was among those who died, according to local broadcaster KSHB 41 News.
"Mr. Hershberger was a beloved member of the Antioch and Oak Park family and was not only a passionate educator and talented musician, but one of the kindest humans," the district wrote.
"Mr. Hershberger has inspired so many of our students through his love for music and the way he treated others every day. He modeled appreciation and genuine care for everyone who was lucky enough to know him."
Hershberger was also a member of the community concert band, the Kansas City Wind Symphony, KSHB-TV reported.
Conductor Langston Hemenway called Hershberger's death a "huge, huge loss," adding that he would be "extremely missed."
"Dave was always saying yes for the symphony and to people. We could always count on him," Hemenway said.
How the Crash Happened
The Skydive KC plane "had just taken off and made a left turn" before the crash, said Dennis Jacobs, the acting airport manager and director of the Bates County Emergency Management Agency.
"In my opinion I think it was losing power, and he was trying to make it over to the highway and land, and he stalled and went down nose first and caught fire," he said, calling the crash "brutal."
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