A 37-year-old Kansas woman, Amanda Gallagher, tragically lost her life after backing into a spinning propeller while trying to capture photographs at a skydiving event.
Gallagher, a photographer and skydiver, was on board a Cessna 182 at Air Capital Drop Zone in Derby, near Wichita, on Saturday afternoon. She had been photographing skydivers as they jumped and was riding back down with the plane when the incident occurred.
Gallagher sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Wesley Medical Center but unfortunately could not be saved. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the incident.
According to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the plane was grounded but still running when Gallagher moved in front of the wing, violating basic safety protocols.
Air Capital Drop Zone stated that for unknown reasons, she stepped backward while holding her camera, inadvertently positioning herself in the path of the spinning propeller.
A GoFundMe campaign created in her memory described Gallagher as a kind, adventurous, and creative individual who was “doing what she loved” when the accident occurred. Friends and family have expressed their heartbreak, stating that she was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
A spokesperson for Cook Airfield extended condolences, urging everyone to keep Gallagher’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.