The community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of David Hershberger, a respected music educator, accomplished trumpet player, and passionate skydiver, who was among the 12 people killed in the tragic plane crash near Butler, Missouri . His passing has left family, friends, students, fellow musicians, and colleagues devastated as they remember a man whose life was dedicated to inspiring others through music, service, and friendship.
For more than three decades, David Hershberger devoted himself to music education, shaping the lives of countless students through his work in orchestra and band programs. He taught at Oak Park High School and Antioch Middle School in the North Kansas City School District, where he became known not only for his exceptional musical talent but also for the genuine care and encouragement he showed every student who entered his classroom .
Students and fellow educators remember David as a patient mentor who believed in helping young people discover confidence through music. His enthusiasm for teaching and his commitment to helping others succeed earned him the admiration and respect of generations of students. Many credit him with inspiring a lifelong love of music and encouraging them to pursue their goals with determination and self-belief.
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A Life Dedicated to Music and Education
Born in Topeka, Kansas, David Hershberger graduated from Seaman High School in 1990 before pursuing his passion for music at the collegiate level . He earned a master’s degree in instrumental music education from Wichita State University in 1999, laying the foundation for a career that would touch thousands of young lives .
David had been with the North Kansas City Schools since 2015, but his impact on music education in the Kansas City area extended far beyond that. He taught band and orchestra programs at several local institutions, including Sunrise Christian Academy and Village Music Academy, and previously served as a substitute teacher in the Blue Valley School District . His 30-year career was built entirely from his love of music and his desire to share that love with others.
The principals of both Antioch Middle School and Oak Park High School jointly sent an email to families describing Hershberger as “not only a passionate educator and talented musician, but one of the kindest humans” . “Mr. Hershberger has inspired so many of our students through his love for music and the way he treated others every day,” the email read. “He modeled appreciation and genuine care for everyone who was lucky enough to know him” .
David’s commitment to his students went beyond the classroom. He was known for staying late to help struggling students, encouraging them to participate in concerts and competitions, and celebrating their achievements with genuine pride. His students remember him as someone who believed in them even when they doubted themselves.
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A Gifted Trumpeter and Community Musician
Beyond the classroom, David remained deeply connected to the music community. A gifted trumpet player, he performed with numerous orchestras and wind ensembles throughout his career, sharing his talent with audiences and fellow musicians alike . His dedication to the arts extended far beyond teaching, and he was widely respected for both his musical skill and his passion for enriching the cultural life of his community.
David was a member of the Kansas City Wind Symphony, a selective concert group based in Prairie Village, where he played trumpet alongside other accomplished musicians . He had also performed with the Wichita Professional Wind Ensemble, Mid-Kansas Symphony, Opera in the Ozarks, and The Polished Brass Quintet . His talent and generosity were well-known throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The Kansas City Wind Symphony paid tribute to David in a heartfelt Facebook post, noting that “he shared his talent with many groups across the KC metro, including the Liberty Symphony Orchestra, and was always eager to help and give freely of his time and his talent. He will be dearly missed” .
Fellow trumpeter Scott Stevens, who played with David for a decade in the Kansas City Wind Ensemble, remembered him as someone who never said no . “He’s just one of those guys that just had so much going on and if somebody asked him to do something, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard him say no,” Stevens said . Stevens noted that David was always rushing to make practice on time because his schedule was packed with commitments to others. “We lost a good soul,” he added .
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A Passion for Adventure and Skydiving
David also embraced adventure and challenge outside of music. He was an experienced skydiver who had spent more than 15 years participating in the sport, spending his summers working at the skydiving facility where he ultimately lost his life . Friends describe him as someone who approached life with enthusiasm and curiosity, always eager to experience new opportunities while encouraging others to do the same.
The crash that claimed David’s life occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, when the plane affiliated with Skydive Kansas City crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport, approximately 60 miles south of Kansas City . The aircraft, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL manufactured in 2010, stalled after takeoff, made a sharp left turn, and plummeted about 300 yards from the runway before catching fire .
Witnesses, including some family members who were watching, described the plane failing to gain altitude and crashing into a field on airport property . All 12 people on board—11 skydivers and the pilot—were killed in what has become one of the deadliest skydiving incidents in the United States in decades .
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The 12 Victims of the Butler Plane Crash
The Bates County Coroner’s Office confirmed the names of all 12 victims on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 . Alongside David Hershberger, the victims included:
· Kurt John Roy, 69, from Windber, Pennsylvania
· Michael R. Shanahan, 54, from Kansas City, Missouri
· Sai Karthik Varma Datla, 24, from India
· Matthew Swope, 39, from Independence, Missouri
· Dustin McKinney, 44, from Stilwell, Kansas
· Jennifer L. Sharp, 55, from Grand Junction, Colorado
· Blake Thacker, 25, from Olathe, Kansas
· Marcus Miller, 30, from Lawrence, Kansas
· Nicholas Nash, 40, from Harrisonville, Missouri
· William Fischer, 23, from De Soto, Kansas
· Dane Cordes, 26, from Richmond, Missouri
Nine of the victims were experienced skydivers, and two were preparing for tandem jumps . The skydiving community, described as “incredibly close knit,” has been devastated by the loss . Travis Phippen, a friend of several victims, told CNN, “Losing so many friends and respected members of the community at once is absolutely devastating” .
Jennifer Sharp, another victim, served as the U.S. Parachute Association’s director of technology and was a member of its skydiving team for nine years . Her passing has also been deeply mourned by the national skydiving community.
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A Legacy of Kindness and Inspiration
Those who knew David remember a man defined by generosity, kindness, and a willingness to help anyone in need. Whether mentoring a student, performing alongside fellow musicians, or spending time with friends, he brought warmth and positivity wherever he went. His ability to connect with people and make them feel valued left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
David’s influence reached far beyond the classroom. He was a mentor to young musicians, a collaborator to fellow artists, and a friend to everyone who crossed his path. His dedication to helping others grow—both as musicians and as people—was the hallmark of his character.
The North Kansas City School District announced that counselors would be available for students and staff impacted by David’s death . The district described him as “one of the kindest humans” and noted that his impact on students was profound and lasting.
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The Investigation and Community Response
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the cause of the crash, though a final report is expected to take one to two years . A preliminary report is anticipated within approximately 30 days . The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also arrived on the scene to assist with the investigation .
Dennis Jacobs, Bates County emergency management director and acting manager for Butler Memorial Airport, noted that the crash is the deadliest in the airport’s history and the deadliest plane crash in Missouri since 2004 . The airport, which has one runway nearly 4,000 feet long and no control tower, is served by Skydive Kansas City, one of the few companies listed in pilot’s guides as providing service at the facility .
The single-engine turboprop plane was operated by Skydive Kansas City, which has been in business since 1998 and has sister skydiving companies in Indianapolis and Wisconsin . The company released a statement expressing devastation: “This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community. At this time, the focus of the management and ownership team is to assist investigators and to support the staff and the broader skydiving community. The entire team is in shock, and the community is close-knit” .
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A Life That Will Continue to Inspire
David Hershberger is survived by his two brothers, who now mourn the loss of a beloved family member whose influence reached far beyond his immediate circle . Social media profiles indicate that he was unwed and did not have any children, but his students, colleagues, and friends were his extended family .
As loved ones gather to honor his memory, they celebrate a life marked by dedication, compassion, and a passion for helping others grow. Though his life was tragically cut short, David Hershberger’s legacy will continue through the countless students he inspired, the music he shared, the performances he gave, and the friendships he nurtured over the years.
The tribute from his school administrators captured the essence of who David was: “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” .
The Butler, Missouri plane crash has left a profound void in the Kansas City community and beyond. But as family, friends, students, and fellow musicians come together to mourn, they also celebrate a life that was lived with purpose, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through music and human connection.
David Hershberger will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His music may have fallen silent, but the echoes of his kindness, his passion, and his dedication will resonate for generations to come.