Veteran Colorado skydiving instructor among 12 killed in Missouri plane crash

A veteran Colorado skydiving instructor is among 12 people killed when a single-engine turboprop crashed in Missouri after takeoff Sunday. The deceased include longtime instructor Jennifer L. Sharp, 55, of Grand Junction, who had logged more than 6,800 jumps and coached others at the sport’s highest levels. Relatives spoke of her love for skydiving as a lifelong pursuit that brought peace and community. The crash occurred moments after liftoff near Butler, Missouri, about 100 feet above the runway, with witnesses saying the aircraft appeared to lose power and veer left before going down. The 12 victims included 11 jumpers and the pilot, as identified by the Bent County coroner’s office. Skydive Kansas City operated the Pacific Aerospace 750XL, built in 2010, which had arrived in Butler for the first time on June 5 after touring Tennessee and Wisconsin. The National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation into the crash, examining pilot experience, aircraft history, and possible factors. Investigators have yet to release a cause; the families mourn while awaiting details.