Kansas Woman Fatally Injured by Airplane Propeller in Tragic Accident

A tragic accident at a skydiving center in Kansas has claimed the life of 37-year-old Amanda Gallagher. Gallagher, a Wichita resident, was struck by a moving airplane propeller while taking photos at the Air Capital Drop Zone, a skydiving facility near Derby, Kansas, located southeast of Wichita.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon while Gallagher was photographing people boarding and exiting planes at the drop zone. According to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Gallagher accidentally backed into a moving propeller. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital but, despite medical efforts, succumbed to her critical injuries.

Authorities have stated that there is no indication of suspicious circumstances, though a routine investigation into the accident remains ongoing. This tragic incident has raised awareness of the potential dangers in environments where propellers are in operation, even when appropriate safety protocols are in place.

In response to the tragedy, Cook Airfield, where the accident took place, issued a heartfelt message on Facebook. The airfield expressed its condolences to Gallagher’s family, friends, and the local skydiving community. “We extend our deepest sympathies and ask everyone to keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the post read. The airfield, however, refrained from commenting on possible safety measures or offering insights into how the accident might have been prevented.

Gallagher’s untimely passing has left her community and loved ones grieving, and in an effort to ease the financial burden on her family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. The fundraiser aims to assist her family with funeral expenses and other associated costs as they navigate this difficult period.

The skydiving community, as well as those at Air Capital Drop Zone, have expressed their sorrow at the loss of a vibrant individual whose passion for photography brought her close to the world of aviation and skydiving. Gallagher’s death is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of accidents, even for those well-acquainted with aviation environments.