Local News
Jen Sharp Among 12 Killed After Skydiving Plane Carrying 11 Jumpers and Pilot Crashes Near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri
BUTLER, Mo. — A devastating plane crash near Butler, Missouri, has left 12 people dead after a skydiving aircraft went down Sunday morning south of the Kansas City metropolitan area, according to authorities.
Emergency officials confirmed that the crash involved a PAC750 aircraft carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot. All 12 occupants on board were killed when the aircraft crashed near Business 49 Highway in Bates County.
According to Bates County Emergency Management, the private aircraft departed from Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Preliminary information indicates the pilot turned the aircraft around shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown. Moments later, the plane crashed in a field near Business 49 Highway in Butler.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the pilot to reverse course before the fatal crash.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Jen Sharp may have been aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash while reportedly conducting a coach evaluation jump.
Officials have not yet released a complete list of victims, and investigators have not formally confirmed the identities of all those who were on board.
Authorities emphasized that information regarding passengers remains preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues and next of kin notifications are completed.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
Emergency crews spent hours searching the surrounding area to determine whether any skydivers may have exited the aircraft before impact. Officials later confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Authorities closed all lanes of Business 49 Highway near the crash site as investigators secured the area and began documenting evidence.
Federal investigators from the NTSB and FAA are expected to lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the aircraft’s condition, flight path, weather conditions, pilot actions, and any potential mechanical issues.
As of Sunday evening, investigators had not released a preliminary cause for the crash.
The NTSB will conduct a comprehensive examination of the wreckage, maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and flight data as part of the investigation.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent Missouri history and has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community and the Butler area.
Officials continue working to positively identify all victims and notify their families as the investigation remains ongoing.
SALISBURY, Md. — A 25-year-old motorcyclist has died from injuries sustained in a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a minivan in Salisbury, Maryland. Dylan Ryan Luffman passed away on November 2, three days after the crash that left him critically injured.
According to the Salisbury Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 6:54 a.m. on October 30 at the intersection of Route 50, also known as East Salisbury Parkway, and the crossover leading to southbound Route 13.
Police reported that a 2011 Honda Odyssey was traveling south through the crossover and attempting to enter southbound Route 13 when it collided with Luffman’s 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle.
At the time of the crash, Luffman was traveling eastbound on Route 50. The collision involved one person in each vehicle.
The impact left Luffman with serious injuries, prompting an emergency response from Salisbury EMS.
Following the collision, Luffman was transported by Salisbury EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for emergency medical treatment.
He remained hospitalized as medical personnel worked to treat his injuries. Despite those efforts, his condition proved fatal. On November 2, Luffman succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
His death has turned an already devastating crash into a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and loved ones.
The Salisbury Police Department is conducting an advanced crash investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward.
Dylan Ryan Luffman was just 25 years old. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how suddenly a person’s life can change following a serious roadway collision.
For his family and friends, the days following the crash were filled with uncertainty and hope as he fought to recover. His death on November 2 brings profound sorrow to those who knew and loved him.
At only 25, Dylan had so much life ahead of him. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the people whose lives he touched, and his loved ones now face the difficult task of navigating life without him.
Our deepest condolences go out to Dylan’s family, friends, and everyone mourning his loss. May they find strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
May Dylan Ryan Luffman rest in eternal peace.