In Loving Memory of the Victims of the Butler Aircraft Tragedy

With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, communities across Missouri and beyond are mourning the devastating loss of 12 lives in a tragic aircraft crash near Butler Memorial Airport on June 14, 2026. The sudden and catastrophic incident has left families, friends, fellow skydivers, and entire communities grieving an unimaginable loss.

Among those remembered are Marcus Miller, Mike Shanahan, Dave Hershberger, Dane Cordes, Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, and Jen Sharp, along with others who were aboard the flight. Each of these individuals was deeply cherished by their loved ones and known for their passion, spirit of adventure, and the joy they brought to those around them.

According to authorities, the PAC 750XL turboprop aircraft departed shortly before 11 a.m. carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot as part of operations for Skydive Kansas City. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reportedly turned the aircraft back toward the airport for reasons still under investigation. Moments later, the plane crashed near Business 49 Highway, resulting in the tragic loss of all 12 people on board. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that there were no survivors.

Emergency responders, along with local authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board, immediately launched a coordinated response. Investigators continue to work to determine the cause of the crash, carefully examining flight data, aircraft condition, and other contributing factors.

Beyond the investigation, the focus for many remains on honoring the lives of those lost. Each individual aboard that flight carried with them a unique story, filled with relationships, dreams, and experiences that touched many lives. They were more than passengers on a flight—they were family members, friends, teammates, mentors, and cherished members of the skydiving community.

The skydiving community, known for its close bonds and shared love of flight, has been especially hard hit by this tragedy. Fellow jumpers and friends are remembering those lost not only for their dedication to the sport, but also for the camaraderie, encouragement, and positivity they brought to every experience in the sky and on the ground.

In the wake of such profound loss, words often feel insufficient. Yet through remembrance, stories, and shared grief, the memory of those who passed continues to live on. Families and friends are holding tightly to the moments they shared—laughter before a jump, conversations between flights, and the courage and joy that defined their loved ones’ lives.

As the investigation continues, communities across Missouri and beyond have come together in solidarity, offering condolences, prayers, and support to the grieving families. The outpouring of compassion reflects the deep impact these individuals had on those around them and the shared sorrow felt in their absence.

Though their lives ended far too soon, the legacy of Marcus Miller, Mike Shanahan, Dave Hershberger, Dane Cordes, Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, Jen Sharp, and all those lost in this tragedy will endure. They will be remembered for their passion for life, their adventurous spirits, and the connections they built with others both in the sky and on the ground.

May their families and loved ones find strength in one another, comfort in cherished memories, and peace in the enduring love that remains.

Forever remembered. Forever loved. Forever missed.

Rest in peace.