A teacher, a cancer survivor and a new dad: victims of Missouri skydiving plane crash identified

A Teacher, A Cancer Survivor, and a New Dad: Victims of Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash Identified

Crash Details and Initial Findings

A teacher a cancer survivor - A tragic weekend incident in Missouri has left the skydiving community in shock, with 12 individuals losing their lives in a plane crash near the Butler airport. The aircraft, a Pacific Aerospace P750XL, was en route to conduct a routine skydiving operation when it abruptly nosedived 300 yards from the runway. The Bates County Department of Emergency Management confirmed that the plane was carrying nine seasoned skydivers, two tandem jumpers, and a pilot, all of whom perished in the crash. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, raising questions about the aircraft’s pre-flight checks and the conditions under which it operated.

Victims and Their Personal Stories

Among the victims was Dave Hershberger, a dedicated high school music teacher who also taught band and orchestra. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and love for the arts, Hershberger was celebrated by students at Oak Park High School and Antioch Middle School. “He was not only a passionate educator and talented musician but one of the kindest humans,” said the principals of both institutions in a shared statement. Hershberger’s personal life was equally vibrant, as he was a father to two young boys and had a thriving Facebook presence showcasing his tandem jumps. His colleagues and students expressed deep sorrow, with many reflecting on his impact beyond the classroom.

“Dave Hershberger had a way of making every lesson feel like an adventure,” said a former student, echoing the sentiments of peers who had grown close to him. “He taught us to play music, but he also taught us to appreciate life’s moments.”

Matthew Swope, 39, was another victim whose legacy is being honored by his family. As a cancer survivor, he had overcome significant challenges before embracing skydiving as a passion. His mother, Dorcie Swope, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, requesting prayers for her son’s family, which includes three sisters and two brothers. “He died doing what he loved best,” she wrote, capturing the essence of his dedication to the sport. Swope’s friends and relatives noted that he had completed over 750 parachute jumps, cementing his status as an expert in the field.

“Matthew Swope was a fighter—both against cancer and for the skies,” said a close friend. “He lived every day with purpose, and his love for skydiving was unmatched.”

Will Fischer, 23, was a young skydiver who was on the verge of becoming an instructor. His sister shared a poignant tribute on Facebook, expressing the depth of her grief. “Nothing can describe the pain I feel … To my annoying little brother, I will miss you forever,” she wrote. Fischer’s friend Kevin Stone, a skydiving instructor in Chicago, recounted how they had recently taken a group in the same type of plane that crashed in Missouri. “I was breathing a little heavier on my first couple loads today, but I think Will would be insulted if this stopped me from jumping,” Stone said. “This was the thing he loved.”

Other victims included Marcus Miller, a seasoned jumper, and Jen Sharp, the director of technology for the US Parachute Association. Sharp’s colleagues described her as a driving force in the skydiving community, balancing her expertise in aviation with a deep commitment to her peers. “Jen was a remarkable force whose passion for the skies was matched only by her dedication to the people in our sport,” stated Albert Berchtold, the association’s executive director, on its website. “Her loss leaves an unfillable void in our office, our community, and our hearts.”

“Jen’s energy was infectious. She brought innovation and friendship to everything she did,” added a fellow employee. “We’ll never forget her laughter and the way she made every day brighter.”

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigations

The crash has rippled through the schools where Hershberger taught, with colleagues and students grappling with the loss. “It’s hard to imagine a classroom without his presence,” said a teacher at Oak Park High School. “He was the heart of our program, always encouraging creativity and teamwork.” Meanwhile, the skydiving community has come together to mourn the lives lost, with many highlighting the camaraderie that defined their shared experiences in the air.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary findings anticipated within weeks. A full report is expected by at least 2027, allowing time to analyze all contributing factors. This investigation follows concerns raised about the skydiving industry’s oversight, as the NTSB has previously pointed out weaknesses in regulatory frameworks that can lead to overlooked maintenance issues. For example, in a 2019 Hawaii crash that killed 11 people, investigators found that a wing had been damaged years earlier and never repaired, underscoring the importance of consistent safety protocols.

Previous Incidents at the Butler Airport

The crash site, Butler Airport, has a history of incidents that have raised questions about its safety. In May 2024, a similar plane took off from the same location and crashed shortly after, resulting in the loss of six skydivers and the pilot. Despite the earlier accident, the plane was cleared for another flight, which may have contributed to the recent tragedy. The NTSB’s findings suggest that weak oversight can allow such risks to persist, highlighting the need for stricter inspections and accountability measures.

“The same plane that crashed in May was back in the air again, and this time it was fatal,” said a local aviation expert. “It’s a reminder that vigilance is crucial, even after near misses.”

At least four of the victims were on the cusp of becoming instructors, which adds a layer of tragedy to their loss. The father of one of the victims, who remained unnamed, shared his grief with KMBC. “My son had a new business, two new baby boys, and everything was going well for him,” he said. “He had been getting into skydiving, and he had made up to 500 jumps. You just never start the morning thinking you’re going to die, you know.” The statement underscores the suddenness of the crash and its impact on families who were celebrating milestones.

As the investigation continues, the skydiving community is left to process the loss of its members. For families, the tragedy has become a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the joy that can be found in pursuing passions. “We’re still trying to wrap our heads around it,” said a friend of Swope. “He was so full of life, and now he’s gone. It’s heartbreaking.”

The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of tandem jumps and the role of experienced instructors in preventing accidents. While the exact cause of the crash remains under scrutiny, the shared experiences of the victims—whether as educators, parents, or skydivers—serve as a testament to the diverse lives impacted by the tragedy. As the NTSB delves deeper, the hope is that the findings will provide closure and insights to prevent future disasters in the skydiving industry.

Contributing to the coverage, the Associated Press emphasized the broader implications of the crash. “Weak oversight of the skydiving industry can lead to critical lapses in maintenance and training,” the agency noted. “Each incident is a chance to reflect on how to improve safety for all participants.” With the community mourning and the investigation ongoing, the story of the Missouri crash continues to unfold, leaving a lasting mark on those who knew the victims and the world of skydiving itself.