Local News
Pilot who died in Scottsdale crash identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky
Scottsdale, AZ – The pilot who tragically lost his life in a private jet crash at Scottsdale Airport on Monday has been identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky, according to local authorities.
Vitosky, a highly experienced aviator with six decades of flying experience, was hailed as a hero by his family.
His daughter, Jana Schertzer, credited his skill and composure in the cockpit for saving the lives of the other passengers on board.
“I wholeheartedly believe that the reason those other passengers are alive is because of how he handled it yesterday,” Schertzer stated on Tuesday.
Vitosky’s passion for aviation spanned more than 60 years, beginning with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he piloted helicopters before transitioning to jets.
Initially, he had intended to become an engineer, but his military service led him to a lifelong career in aviation, including multiple tours during the Vietnam War.
After leaving the Marines, Vitosky pursued a diverse flying career, piloting aircraft for prominent figures such as civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and Maureen Reagan, as well as corporate executives and oil industry leaders.
In addition to private charters, he also conducted critical transport flights, retrieving parts for companies like FedEx and flying transplant patients awaiting life-saving surgeries.
“It wasn’t just about flying wealthy clients,” Schertzer said. “There were so many people who genuinely needed his help—whether it was an emergency transport or a crucial medical flight.”
Vitosky’s love for flying extended to his family, with Schertzer recalling how she and her siblings often accompanied him on flights when seats were available.
“We’ve all grown up going on trips with my dad when we could—when there was space on the plane, and passengers didn’t mind,” she reminisced.
At 78 years old, Vitosky remained an active and capable pilot, defying assumptions about age. Schertzer emphasized that her father was in excellent health, with perfect vision, and came from a family with a history of longevity.
“He was the epitome of health,” she stated. “There was nothing wrong with him—his vision was even better than 20/20.”
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday when a Learjet 35A, arriving from Austin, Texas, experienced landing gear failure upon touchdown at Scottsdale Airport, according to airport officials.
The Learjet, which had two pilots (including Vitosky) and two passengers on board, veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream jet, which had one occupant inside.
Emergency responders reported that:
- Two individuals suffered critical injuries
- One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries
Air Traffic Response & Investigation
In audio recordings from air traffic control, controllers swiftly redirected nearby aircraft to avoid further complications.
One controller can be heard issuing a warning to an incoming aircraft:
“Maintain altitude and go around. We just had an emergency.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the investigation, with federal aviation officials working to determine the cause of the crash.
So far, the only other individual publicly identified from the crash is 43-year-old Rain Hannah Andreani, the girlfriend of Mötley Crüe lead singer Vince Neil.
Neil, who owns the Learjet, was not on board at the time of the crash, according to his legal representative Worrick Robinson IV, who addressed the incident via the band’s official Instagram account.
The runway at Scottsdale Airport was temporarily closed but reopened shortly before 9 p.m. Monday.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the landing gear failure and subsequent collision. The aviation community, friends, and family members of Joie Vitosky are mourning the loss of a seasoned pilot whose expertise in the skies was widely respected.
DETROIT, Michigan — An 11-year-old boy identified as Karon has tragically lost his life after reportedly being struck by two vehicles while crossing a street on Detroit’s west side Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026.
His heartbreaking death has left his family and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss, while the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash remain a matter for investigation.
According to preliminary reports shared about the incident, the boy was attempting to cross the street with his brothers near the intersection of Puritan Avenue and Coyle Street when he was struck by two vehicles.
Karon was just 11 years old — an age when children should be making memories with their families, enjoying school, spending time with friends, and looking forward to the many milestones still ahead of them.
Instead, his family is now confronting the devastating reality of losing a child far too soon.
The circumstances described in reports of the collision have prompted an outpouring of grief and sympathy for Karon’s family, particularly his brothers, who were reportedly with him as he attempted to cross the street.
Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy for any parent. For Karon’s loved ones, the pain is made even more difficult by the suddenness of the incident and the knowledge that a young life filled with promise has been cut short.
His brothers may also face the emotional challenges of coping with the loss of someone they shared their childhood with. The impact of such a traumatic event can extend well beyond the immediate aftermath, affecting the entire family and community.
As friends and members of the public express their condolences, many are keeping Karon’s parents, brothers, relatives, and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
The reported crash occurred near Puritan Avenue and Coyle Street on Detroit’s west side on Saturday, October 17.
According to the information currently available, Karon was crossing the street with his brothers when two vehicles struck him. However, further details about the sequence of events, the drivers involved, and the circumstances leading up to the collision have not been established in the information provided.
Responsibility for the crash should not be assumed before investigators have had an opportunity to determine what happened.
Additional information from authorities would be needed to confirm the precise circumstances of the collision and whether any citations or charges may follow.
Karon’s death is a painful reminder of the importance of exercising caution around residential streets and areas where children may be walking or crossing the road.
Drivers are urged to remain alert, observe posted speed limits, watch carefully for pedestrians, and be especially cautious near intersections and residential neighborhoods. Children can be difficult to see, and unexpected movements near the roadway can leave drivers with very little time to react.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and even a brief lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.
At just 11 years old, Karon had so much of life still ahead of him. He deserved the opportunity to grow, learn, discover his passions, and experience the milestones that families look forward to celebrating with their children.
His death has left a heartbreaking void for those who loved him.
As the family grieves, messages of sympathy and prayers offer a reminder that they are not alone in their sorrow. The loss of a child affects an entire circle of family, friends, and community members, each of whom must find a way to process the tragedy.
May Karon rest in peace, and may his family, especially his brothers and parents, find strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Karon. You were only 11 years old, and your life mattered. 🕊️💔