A tragic accident has claimed the life of Amanda Gallagher, a 37-year-old skydiver, and photographer who was fatally injured after accidentally backing into a plane propeller while photographing people at Cook Airfield in Derby, Kansas.
According to reports from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Saturday afternoon as Gallagher was capturing images at the Air Capital Drop Zone. Gallagher, who was airlifted to a nearby hospital, sadly succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
A professional photographer from Wichita, Kansas, Gallagher had recently discovered a love for skydiving. Just weeks prior, she had taken her first solo jump and shared her experience on social media with evident excitement, posting, “This was my first solo jump!! I’m in love.”
She posed beside a plane in her skydiving gear in another post with a beaming smile, captioning the moment as the “best feeling ever.” Her passion for both photography and skydiving was clear, and her friends, family, and community have been left heartbroken by this loss.
Active propellers are a well known threat on airfields. Always maintain proper distance from them!
And RIP Amanda Gallagher!https://t.co/VqvVnB5U9p
— Boris Epstein (@borepstein) October 28, 2024
Gallagher’s friends and family remember her as a “kind, adventurous, creative, and beautiful” individual. In heartfelt tributes shared on social media, loved ones described her as a gentle and talented presence whose compassion and spirit left an impact on everyone she met. One friend expressed that she was “a young, talented photographer” with an undeniable love for life and a drive to pursue her passions fearlessly.
In light of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been created to help Gallagher’s family with funeral expenses. The page, which has already raised over $6,000, underscores her family’s grief and their deep appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community.
The page reads, “Amanda passed away in a very sad accident, doing what she loved, skydiving and taking pictures! As her family processes through this tragic accident, they could use your help covering the funeral expenses. Please consider helping them out and also keeping them all in your prayers.”
The accident remains under investigation, though it has been classified as a tragic misstep rather than foul play. For those who knew her, Amanda Gallagher leaves behind a legacy of joy, passion, and adventure that her family and friends are determined to honor. As her loved ones gather to celebrate her life, the community mourns a remarkable woman who pursued her dreams with a full heart, even in her final days.
