Authorities in Missouri have released the names of the 12 people killed in a skydiving plane crash, according to the Bates County Coroner’s Office.
The aircraft went down on Sunday, June 14, shortly after departing Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri, at about 11:30am. A pilot and 11 passengers were on board for what was meant to be a skydiving trip.
Shortly after takeoff, the Pacific Aerospace P750, operated by Skydive Kansas City, crashed into a field roughly 65 miles south of Kansas City. Everyone on board died.
Federal investigators have said it is too early to determine what caused the crash, but the National Transportation Safety Board is examining the aircraft, the pilot’s experience, maintenance records and any possible mechanical or structural issues. Officials have said a preliminary report is expected in about a month, while the full investigation could take a year or longer.
Witness Bailey Reed told CBS News the plane was ‘completely perpendicular’ as it plummeted into the ground. “They didn’t have time to jump,” Reed said.
“They were so low to the ground, the parachutes wouldn’t have deployed, and there was no way anyone could have jumped and survived that.”
Officials later confirmed the identities of those believed to have been on the flight in a statement shared online.
Bates County Coroner Jerret J Reno said the following people were among those who lost their lives:
Kurt John Roy, 69, from Windber, PA
Michael R. Shanahan, 54, from Kansas City, MO
David Hershberger, 54, from Liberty, MO
Sai Karthik Varma Datla, 24, from India
Matthew Swope, 39, from Independence, MO
Dustin McKinney, 44, from Stilwell, KS
Jennifer L. Sharp, 55, from Grand Junction, CO
Blake Thacker, 25, from Olathe, KS
Marcus Miller, 30, from Lawrence, KS
Nicholas Nash, 40, from Harrisonville, MO
William Fischer, 23, from De Soto, KS
Dane Cordes, 26, from Richmond, MO
The statement continues: “The list of individuals identified is currently just a list and the proper authorities are still attempting to make absolute certain the deceased are positively identified.
“While the investigation is still ongoing and we work to reunite the deceased with their loved ones, we feel comfortable that we have the identities of those twelve passengers on board the plane.”
One of the victims was Michael Shanahan. His mother, Gloria, told The Star that he had taken up skydiving after the death of his sister from breast cancer.
A fundraiser has also been launched for the grandfather of six, described as someone who ‘came to every school event’ and ‘who should have but never said no’.
Elsewhere, the Kansas City Wind Symphony posted a tribute to orchestra teacher Dave Hershberger on Facebook.
The post reads: “Dave was a 15+ year member of the ensemble, and not only an amazing trumpet player, but a beloved orchestra teacher in the North KC school district. He shared his talent with many groups across the KC metro, including the Liberty Symphony Orchestra, and was always eager to help and give freely of his time and his talent. He will be dearly missed.”
A separate GoFundMe was set up for the family of Dustin McKinney by his partner’s best friend.
“He was the most unapologetically authentic person i have ever known and would help anyone with his caring and love,” the page reads. “His wife and children were his most treasured priority and I know he would want to make sure they are taken care of so, let’s do this for Dustin!”
Matthew Cole Swope’s mother, Dorcie J Swope, said her son was ‘doing what he loved best’.
“Please pray for his 3 sisters, 2 brothers, myself and entire family as we traverse this unknown territory,” she added.
The United States Parachute Association also shared a statement honoring Director of Technology Jen Sharp, applauding her ‘unwavering commitment’ and the work she did to help keep the skydiving community ‘stayed connected, safe and forward-looking’. The organization said she was ‘a remarkable force’ and that her death ‘leaves an unfillable void’.
A spokesperson for Skydive Kansas City told the BBC: “Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and loved ones of all who were lost.”
The company is said to be cooperating with both the FAA and NTSB as the investigation continues.
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