Butler, Missouri skydiving plane crash kills 12, including teacher, father and cancer survivor
By Krista Tatschl
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BUTLER, Mo. (KMBC) — Family members and officials have started to identify the 12 people killed in a skydiving plane crash in Butler, Missouri, on Sunday.
The plane, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL, was operating for Skydive Kansas City when it crashed shortly after takeoff in Butler, just outside of Kansas City, around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
Bates County Emergency Manager Dennis Jacob said the aircraft was carrying nine experienced skydivers, two tandem jumpers and a pilot. Witnesses said the plane had just taken off when it began a turn, then nosedived into the ground on the edge of airport property around 300 yards from the runway.
Dane Cordes Friends have identified Cordes as an experienced skydiver.
Dave Hershberger Hershberger was a North Kansas City School District music teacher and KC Wind Symphony member. Officials with the school district said Hershberger had worked for the district for 11 years. He was also an avid skydiver.
Dustin McKinney – 44 McKinney is remembered as a father, drummer and expert skydiver. Family members said McKinney was the father of two and was the videographer for Skydive KC.
Nick Nash Known as “flying Spidey,” Nash was an instructor and expert skydiver.
Mike Shanahan Friends remember Shanahan as a father and papa, a man who was a dedicated area native, and a humble human who worked very hard. Shanahan was an expert skydiver. A GoFundMe posted for Shanahan’s family said the Kansas City Sheet Metal Union Local #2 member was on his way to his 23rd tandem jump.
“The world lost an amazing man yesterday,” family friend Brandon Carney wrote. Click here for the Shanahan family GoFundMe.
Jen Sharp Friends say Sharp was conducting a coach evaluation jump. She was an expert skydiver and parachutist. The United States Parachute Association said Sharp served as the organization’s Director of Technology.
“Her unwavering commitment to advancing the sport, supporting our membership, and strengthening the organization was second to none,” a press release from the organization said.
“Jen was a remarkable force whose passion for the skies was matched only by her dedication to the people in our sport,” said USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold. “Her loss leaves an unfillable void in our office, our community, and our hearts. We are incredible grateful for the years of laughter, innovation, and friendship we shared with her.”
Matthew Swope – 39 Family members remember Swope as a beloved uncle, son, brother, and as a cancer survivor. He had completed more than 750 jumps in his lifetime and was an expert skydiver.
Will Fischer – 23 Friends say Will Fischer was one of four people on their final jumps to becoming a skydive instructor.
Marcus Miller KMBC 9 News is working to learn more.
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