The skydiving community and countless loved ones are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Dane Cordes, who was reportedly among the 12 people killed in the devastating Skydive Kansas City plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The tragedy also claimed the lives of fellow skydivers and community members, including Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, Jen Sharp, and others who were aboard the aircraft that morning.
According to authorities, the New Zealand-built PAC 750XL turboprop aircraft departed Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11 a.m. as part of a scheduled skydiving operation. Moments after takeoff, the pilot reportedly attempted to turn the aircraft back toward the airport for reasons that remain unknown. Tragically, the plane crashed near Business 49 Highway, leaving no survivors among the 11 skydivers and the pilot on board.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 occupants lost their lives in the crash. Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded swiftly to the scene, while investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began the difficult task of determining what caused the aircraft to go down.
For those who knew Dane Cordes, the tragedy represents far more than a headline. Friends and fellow skydivers remember him as someone who embraced life with courage, enthusiasm, and a deep passion for the skies. His loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of family members, friends, and the close-knit skydiving community that shared countless memories with him.
As investigators continue their work, tributes continue to pour in for all 12 victims whose lives ended far too soon. Communities across Missouri and beyond are united in grief, remembering not only the tragic circumstances of their passing but also the joy, friendship, and inspiration they brought to those around them.
The memory of Dane Cordes and the other victims will live on in the hearts of those who loved them, ensuring they are never forgotten.
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