Fatal Helicopter Crash, near Akron, OH 3/14/25

This is an absolute tragedy. The pilot was a respected local CFI, experienced aviator, had done one of my flight reviews, and was my wife's flight instructor for her PPL. Most importantly, he was a friend and a good man. I'm heartbroken.

Last week, his wife died after an all too brief battle with cancer. Even as he was going through this, he was kind enough to visit with me and my wife in the hospital ICU as my wife battles her own fight against lymphoma.

I don't know what happened this morning, but he leaves behind three daughters, who in the past week have lost both their father and mother, each only 52 years old.

If you're the type who is inclined to pray, his girls could use them right now.
 
oh that's tragic. I'm sorry for your loss @av8orDave. My heart breaks, especially for his daughters...and even more so if they are young. My two daughters are here with me now. My heart breaks. What a tough time it must be.
av8orDave said:
If you're the type who is inclined to pray, his girls could use them right now.
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done.... and I said a prayer for you and your wife as well.... tough times.
 
Thank you @Brad W .

It doesn’t seem real. I’ve read so many discussions and learned from the dialogue of the mishaps on this forum, but never would have imagined it would be about a friend.

I was texting with him last Friday, a day after the loss of his wife. He was obviously having the same struggles any of us would go through. He mentioned he was going to spend some time in the helicopter. He was texting with my wife making plans to visit the hospital just a couple days ago.

Lots of second guessing things right now. Should I have discouraged him from flying for a bit? Should I have checked in on him daily?

Make sure the people you love, whether family or friends, know how much they mean to you. Look out for those you care about who spend time around planes and helicopters. It’s a brutal and unforgiving world, and flying is risky. Whatever happened, I wish he hadn’t been near helicopters or planes today.
 
av8orDave said:
Thank you @Brad W .

It doesn’t seem real. I’ve read so many discussions and learned from the dialogue of the mishaps on this forum, but never would have imagined it would be about a friend.

I was texting with him last Friday, a day after the loss of his wife. He was obviously having the same struggles any of us would go through. He mentioned he was going to spend some time in the helicopter. He was texting with my wife making plans to visit the hospital just a couple days ago.

Lots of second guessing things right now. Should I have discouraged him from flying for a bit? Should I have checked in on him daily?

Make sure the people you love, whether family or friends, know how much they mean to you. Look out for those you care about who spend time around planes and helicopters. It’s a brutal and unforgiving world, and flying is risky. Whatever happened, I wish he hadn’t been near helicopters or planes today.
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My condolences to you, and prayers for his daughters and your wife. I hope you'll absolve yourself of recriminations for actions you considered but did not take. We all do the best we can under stressful circumstances, and you certainly have been challenged with your wife's illness.

It's difficult, but try to accept that fate demands, and we must obey. Your heart is in the right place, and I hope you'll find peace.
 
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