Marcus Miller, Mike Shanahan and Dave Hershberger Among Victims in Deadly Skydive Kansas City Plane Crash in Missouri

 In Butler, Missouri, a devastating aviation tragedy has left the skydiving community and multiple families across the country grieving the loss of 12 lives following a fatal aircraft crash near Butler Memorial Airport on June 14, 2026. Among those reported to have been killed are Marcus Miller, Mike Shanahan, Dave Hershberger, Dane Cordes, Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, and Jen Sharp, along with three additional victims whose identities are still being formally confirmed by authorities.

According to Bates County Emergency Management, the PAC 750XL turboprop aircraft departed shortly before 11 a.m. carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot as part of scheduled operations for Skydive Kansas City. Investigators stated that shortly after takeoff, the pilot initiated a turnaround for reasons that remain under investigation before the aircraft went down near Business 49 Highway in Butler, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash. Emergency response teams from multiple agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, arrived at the scene and immediately began a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident.

Officials said early response efforts included searches to determine whether any skydivers had exited the aircraft prior to impact. However, investigators later confirmed that all occupants remained onboard and were accounted for following recovery operations at the crash site.

Authorities have not yet released a finalized official victim list, as identification procedures are still ongoing and families are being notified. However, names reported by loved ones and members of the skydiving community include Marcus Miller, Mike Shanahan, Dave Hershberger, Dane Cordes, Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, and Jen Sharp, alongside other victims awaiting official confirmation.

Investigators continue to examine all possible contributing factors, including aircraft performance, maintenance records, flight operations, weather conditions, and other operational details surrounding the departure and sudden loss of control. Officials have stressed that the investigation is in its early stages and no conclusions have been made.

The tragedy has deeply impacted the skydiving world, where many of those on board were experienced jumpers, instructors, and contributors to the community. Fellow skydivers and friends have described them as passionate individuals whose lives were closely connected through their shared love of aviation and freefall sports.

As the investigation continues, families and friends are left mourning the loss of those they loved while awaiting further answers about what led to the crash. Memorials and tributes are beginning to emerge, honoring the lives lost and the lasting connections they built within the skydiving community, as authorities continue working to bring clarity to one of the most devastating incidents in recent memory.