Local News
Dustin Mckinney Killed After Skydiving Plane Carrying 11 Jumpers and Pilot Crashes Near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri
BUTLER, Missouri — Dustin McKinney and Jen Sharp were reportedly among the 12 people who lost their lives after a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Authorities have not yet released an official list of victims, as next-of-kin notifications remain ongoing.
According to information released by Skydive Kansas City and emergency management officials, the aircraft involved in the tragedy was a PAC750 being used in support of skydiving operations.
The plane departed Butler Memorial Airport (KBUM) at approximately noon and was carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot when it went down in the area of Business 49 Highway south of the Kansas City metropolitan region.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 people aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash.
Preliminary reports indicate that the pilot may have turned the aircraft back toward the airport shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown before the aircraft crashed.
Emergency responders quickly converged on the scene, including personnel from local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and aviation investigators. Authorities secured the area and closed nearby roadways while recovery operations and evidence collection were conducted.
Preliminary information suggests that Jen Sharp may have been aboard the aircraft while participating in a coach evaluation jump.
Reports also indicate that Dustin McKinney was among those on board. However, officials have stressed that victim identifications remain subject to confirmation until formal notifications are completed and investigative procedures are finalized.
In a statement following the crash, Skydive Kansas City confirmed the devastating loss of all 12 individuals aboard the aircraft.
“Tragically, all 12 individuals aboard lost their lives in the accident. This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community.”
The organization said its primary focus is supporting grieving families, staff members, and the close-knit skydiving community while cooperating fully with investigators.
Skydive Kansas City also noted that it is a United States Parachute Association (USPA) Group Member Drop Zone in good standing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Investigators spent hours examining the wreckage and surrounding area to determine whether any jumpers exited the aircraft prior to impact.
At this stage, the cause of the crash has not been determined. Officials have not released information regarding possible mechanical issues, weather conditions, or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
The crash has sent shockwaves throughout Missouri’s aviation and skydiving communities. Friends, fellow skydivers, and community members have begun sharing tributes online as families await official confirmation and additional details from investigators.
Authorities continue working to identify all victims and notify their families.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.