BUTLER, Mo. — Family, friends, and members of the skydiving community are mourning the heartbreaking and tragic loss of Dustin McKinney and Jen Sharp, who were among 12 people killed Sunday morning when a skydiving plane crashed near Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri.
The devastating aviation tragedy occurred shortly after takeoff, according to preliminary reports. All 12 people on board died in the crash. The identities of the other victims are being withheld pending family notification.
Dustin McKinney and Jen Sharp were described by friends as passionate skydivers and beloved members of the tight-knit aviation community. Tributes began pouring in Sunday as news of the crash spread.
“Jen lived for the sky and Dustin made sure everyone around him felt safe up there,” a fellow jumper said. “Losing them both, along with 10 others, is a loss our community can’t put into words.”
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash. Officials have not released details about the aircraft or the flight operation.
Butler Memorial Airport temporarily suspended operations following the incident. Local first responders and emergency crews were on scene throughout the morning.
The skydiving center affiliated with the flight posted a brief statement asking for privacy for the families: “We are heartbroken. Our entire focus is on supporting the families and each other.”
Grief counselors have been made available to family members, friends, and first responders.
Information regarding memorial services for Dustin McKinney and Jen Sharp will be shared by their families when available.
For anyone struggling with grief or trauma from this incident, help is available 24/7 through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
Dustin McKinney, Jen Sharp Among 12 Killed in Butler, Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash Near Butler Memorial Airport
