Local News
Victims Identified in Fatal Skydive Kansas City Plane Crash Near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri
BUTLER, Mo. — Authorities continue to investigate a devastating skydiving aircraft crash near Butler Memorial Airport that claimed the lives of all 12 people aboard, including 11 skydivers and one pilot, on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
As investigators work to formally identify all victims and notify family members, four of the individuals killed have reportedly been identified as Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, and Jen Sharp.
Officials have not yet released a complete and official list of victims, and additional identifications are expected in the coming days.
According to Bates County Emergency Management, the aircraft involved was a PAC 750XL, a New Zealand-built turboprop aircraft commonly used in skydiving operations. The plane departed Butler Memorial Airport (KBUM) shortly before 11 a.m. as part of a scheduled flight for Skydive Kansas City.
Investigators said the pilot turned the aircraft around shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown. Moments later, the aircraft crashed near Business 49 Highway in Butler, approximately 70 miles south of Kansas City.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 occupants aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
Preliminary information indicates that Jen Sharp may have been participating in a coach evaluation jump at the time of the flight. However, authorities have not officially confirmed individual passenger roles as investigators continue reviewing flight records and operational details.
Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, and Dustin McKinney have also been widely reported among those killed, although officials have emphasized that victim identities will not be formally released until next-of-kin notifications are completed.
Following the crash, numerous agencies responded to the scene, including:
- Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Bates County Emergency Management
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Local fire and rescue agencies
- Additional state and federal emergency personnel
Investigators searched the surrounding area to determine whether any occupants may have exited the aircraft before impact.
Authorities later confirmed that all 12 individuals aboard were accounted for at the crash site.
Roadways near the scene were temporarily closed while emergency crews secured the area and investigators documented evidence.
In a statement issued Sunday afternoon, Skydive Kansas City confirmed the fatal accident and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
“At approximately 12:00 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, June 14, 2026, an aircraft operated in support of skydiving operations at Skydive Kansas City was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri. The aircraft was carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot. Tragically, all 12 individuals aboard lost their lives in the accident.”
The company described the tragedy as a devastating loss for both its staff and the broader skydiving community.
“This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community. Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and loved ones of all who were lost.”
The organization stated it is cooperating fully with investigators from the FAA and NTSB while focusing on supporting employees, families, and members of the close-knit skydiving community.
Federal investigators are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, aircraft performance, weather conditions, witness statements, and operational procedures to determine what caused the aircraft to turn around and ultimately crash.
At this time, no official cause has been released.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community nationwide, as friends, fellow jumpers, and loved ones mourn those lost in one of Missouri’s deadliest skydiving-related aviation disasters in recent memory.
Authorities say additional information will be released as the investigation progresses and more victims are formally identified.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.