The 12 people who lost their lives in the devastating skydiving plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on June 14, 2026, have now been identified as families, friends, and communities across the United States and abroad continue to mourn.
The victims were:
• Kurt John Roy, 69, Windber, Pennsylvania
• Michael R. Shanahan, 54, Kansas City, Missouri
• David Hershberger, 54, Liberty, Missouri
• Sai Karthik Varma Datla, 24, India
• Matthew Swope, 39, Independence, Missouri
• Dustin McKinney, 44, Stilwell, Kansas
• Jennifer L. “Jen” Sharp, 55, Grand Junction, Colorado
• Blake Thacker, 25, Olathe, Kansas
• Marcus Miller, 30, Lawrence, Kansas
• Nicholas Nash, 40, Harrisonville, Missouri
• William Fischer, 23, De Soto, Kansas
• Dane Cordes, 26, Richmond, Missouri
According to the FAA, the Pacific Aerospace P750 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff around 11:30 a.m. local time, killing all 11 passengers and the pilot on board. The aircraft was being used for a skydiving flight operated by Skydive Kansas City.
Bates County Coroner Jerret J. Reno announced the identities of the victims, stating that authorities are confident in the identifications while the lengthy investigation continues. He asked the public to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts and prayers, noting that the tragedy has affected people nationwide.
Early reports indicate the aircraft never climbed more than about 100 feet above the ground before going down in a field near the airport. Witnesses described clear weather conditions at the time of the crash. Officials believe an engine-related issue may have played a role, but the exact cause remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Heartbreaking accounts have emerged from the scene, where some family members and loved ones watched helplessly as the aircraft went down. One woman was reportedly waiting for her brother and sister-in-law, and had originally planned to be on the flight herself.
The victims leave behind remarkable legacies:
Michael Shanahan, a union steelworker and grandfather of six, had taken up skydiving more than a decade ago and was looking forward to retirement next year. His mother described him as “a wonderful son, a great dad” who adored his grandchildren.
David Hershberger was a beloved music teacher with the North Kansas City School District and an accomplished musician who performed with several ensembles across the Kansas City area. Friends remembered him as generous, talented, and always willing to help others.
Dustin McKinney was remembered by loved ones as an authentic, caring individual who would do anything for those around him.
Matthew Swope’s family said he died doing what he loved, while asking for prayers as they navigate an unimaginable loss.
William Fischer discovered skydiving during a trip to Colorado and instantly fell in love with the sport. Friends said it gave him a sense of freedom unlike anything else.
Jennifer “Jen” Sharp, Director of Technology for the United States Parachute Association, was widely respected throughout the skydiving community. Colleagues described her as a remarkable leader whose passion for aviation and dedication to others left a lasting impact on the sport.
Skydive Kansas City called the crash a “devastating loss” for everyone connected to the organization and the broader skydiving community, expressing condolences to all affected families.
As investigators work to determine what caused this tragic accident, communities across Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and India are united in grief, remembering twelve lives lost far too soon.
