Identities of pickleball players killed in plane crash on way to tournament released

Published: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 12:10 am

Texas Plane Crash Claims Lives of Pickleball Players

A tragic plane crash in Central Texas has claimed the lives of five individuals, including four members of the Amarillo Pickleball Club, who were en route to a tournament. The victims have been identified as Hayden Dillard, Seren Wilson, Brooke Skypala, and Stacy Hedrick, all players from Amarillo, Texas, along with pilot Justin Appling.

The small plane crashed near Hicks Airfield in Wimberley, Texas, at approximately 11 p.m. on Thursday. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.

According to Dan Dyer, president of the Amarillo Pickleball Club, the victims were accomplished players who were actively involved in the pickleball community. He noted that they were dedicated to the sport and frequently participated in tournaments. A second plane, also carrying players from Amarillo to the same tournament, landed safely at an airport in New Braunfels. Air traffic control audio indicates the pilot of the downed plane was behaving erratically before the crash. The area experienced mostly cloudy conditions shortly before the incident, with a thunderstorm following a couple of hours later.

BNN's Perspective: This tragedy underscores the inherent risks associated with air travel. While the investigation is ongoing, it's crucial to ensure that all safety protocols are rigorously followed and that the investigation is thorough. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.

Keywords: plane crash, pickleball, Texas, Amarillo, Wimberley, New Braunfels, NTSB, FAA, sports, tournament, accident, pilot, players, deaths, investigation

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