Tech executive and thrill-seeking plumber among skydivers who plummeted to their death in Missouri plane crash

Published: 23:40 BST, 15 June 2026 | Updated: 15:18 BST, 16 June 2026

A music teacher, a plumber, a tech executive and a small business owner were among 11 skydivers and a pilot killed in a fiery plane crash.

The aircraft went down minutes after taking off from Butler Memorial Airport outside Butler, Missouri , about 11.30am on Sunday, and burst into flames.

What caused the crash is under investigation but witnesses said the plane made a hard left turn and tried to land on a road next to the airstrip.

Nine of the 11 on board were experienced skydivers with SkyDive Kansas City, some with hundreds of jumps, along with a first-timer solo jumper and a tandem.

One of the veterans was Jen Sharp, who was on a coach evaluation jump during the flight and had been skydiving since 1989.

Sharp was also an IT Director for the United States Parachute Association for almost a decade, with passions for technology and education.

She posted a throwback photo in November from her first time skydiving in Wamego, Kansas, almost 37 years ago.

'My first jump (and second one the same day), November 11, 1989, Wamego, Kansas, Kansas State University Parachute Club,' she wrote.

Jen Sharp was among the 12 passengers who died in a fiery plane wreckage in Butler, Missouri Sunday morning

Sharp was an IT Director for the United States Parachute Association (USPA) for almost a decade

Sharp's friend, Michael Wadkins, announced her death on behalf of her husband, Ray Lallo, whom he said was too distraught to take calls from friends.

The parachuting veteran was a legend in the skydiving community and such a notoriously thorough trainer of instructors that those who she trained were highly regarded themselves.

'Her unwavering commitment to advancing the sport, supporting our membership, and strengthening the organization was second to none,' the USPA said.

'She spent her career ensuring that our community stayed connected, safe, and forward-looking.'

USPA executive director Albert Berchtold added that Sharp was 'a remarkable force whose passion for the skies was matched only by her dedication to the people in our sport.'

'Her loss leaves an unfillable void in our office, our community and our hearts,' he said.

'We are incredibly grateful for the years of laughter, innovation and friendship we shared with her.'

Sharp posted a throwback photo in November from her first time skydiving in Wamego, Kansas, almost 37 years ago

Sharp was a legend in the skydiving community and such a notoriously thorough trainer of instructors that those who she trained were highly regarded themselves

Another on board was Marcus Miller, a journeyman plumber from Lawrence, Kansas, who worked with his local union number 441 since February 2023.

He was also an avid motorbike rider and shared photos of himself on the road enjoying scenery around the US.

'Rest easy, Marcus Miller. You went doing exactly what you loved. Hope you are banging some Excision for me up there,' his friend Jackson Conrad wrote.

Another friend, Christian Erickson, added: 'This was a young man with a lot of motivation, passion, and enthusiasm. He knew what he wanted and would always strive for it.

'I pray for everyone involved and hope everyone is able to step back and catch a breath. It's hard to imagine him not here anymore with us.'

Dave Hershberger, from Gladstone, Missouri, was a music teacher at North Kansas City Schools and a member of the Kansas City Wind Symphony.

'Mr Hershberger was a beloved member of the Antioch and Oak Park family and was not only a passionate educator and talented musician, but one of the kindest humans,' the principals of Antioch Middle School and Oak Park High School said in a joint statement on Monday.

'Mr Hershberger has inspired so many of our students through his love for music and the way he treated others every day.

'He modeled appreciation and genuine care for everyone who was lucky enough to know him.'

Marcus Miller was a journeyman plumber from Lawrence, Kansas, who worked with his local union number 441 since February 2023

Dave Hershberger, from Gladstone, Missouri, was a music teacher at North Kansas City Schools and a member of the Kansas City Wind Symphony

Hershberger on one of his many jumps, holding onto another parachutist as they formed a circle in midair

Hershberger played the trumpet and videos of him performing were posted online by friends after his death.

He began teaching his passion for music since earning a music education degree from Wichita State University in 1999, joining North Kansas City in 2015 after stints at private schools.

Hershberger also performed in the Wichita Professional Wind Ensemble, the Polished Brass Quintet, Opera in the Ozarks, and the Mid-Kansas Symphony.

Dustin McKinney was a local videographer who worked at SkyDive KC, filming other jumpers as they hurtled through the air.

He was also a father and a keen drummer, and numerous friends - and skydiving customers he filmed - wrote tributes after hearing news of his death.

McKinney's friend Marc Woods said they met eight years ago through skydiving and soon became close friends who took their kids snowboarding and ice skating together.

'Dustin, aside from being an excellent skydiver, was an accomplished drummer and made a name for himself in and around Kansas City,' he said.

'I was fortunate in that upon learning that I'd always wanted to play the drums he made it his mission to help make that dream come true.'