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
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi — Three people were killed in a serious collision Wednesday evening near U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls, leaving multiple families grieving and a community mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:04 p.m. and involved a 2021 Honda Accord and another vehicle driven by 27-year-old Da’Quarius M. Burton of Memphis, Tennessee.
Authorities identified the three people who died inside the Honda Accord as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake
- Eddie L. Dodson, 41, of Byhalia
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two people injured. Da’Quarius M. Burton, who was driving the other vehicle, survived the collision, as did a fourth occupant of the Honda Accord whose identity has not yet been released.
Both survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has also deeply affected local law enforcement and public service communities. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of its juvenile detention officers was among those who died in the crash. Another employee was seriously injured.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office remembered its fallen employee as a respected and beloved member of the team who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to their care.
The department also recognized the lasting difference the employee made through their work and the positive influence they had on others.
Officials have not publicly identified which of the three victims worked for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Walls Police Department also confirmed that one of its patrol officers was involved in the collision. However, the department has not clarified the officer’s condition or released additional information about the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
The crash has therefore brought grief and concern to several public safety agencies, including the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the Walls Police Department.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash near Highway 61 and Church Road. Authorities have not released a determination about what caused the vehicles to collide.
Further information may become available as investigators review the circumstances of the incident and complete their work.
The deaths of Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford represent an enormous loss for their families, friends, and everyone who knew them.
Three individuals from different communities have now been lost in a single devastating incident. Their loved ones are left to face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared.
The loss has also been felt by colleagues and members of the local public safety community, particularly those mourning the juvenile detention officer remembered for compassion and dedication to young people.
During this painful time, thoughts are with the families of all three victims, the injured survivors, and the employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and Walls Police Department.
May Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford rest in peace.