Lake Winnebago crash: Devyn Reiley, Aviator dies after plane crashes near Oshkosh

Devyn Reiley, New Braunfels, TX, a well-known aviator dies after a plane crashes in Lake Winnebago near Oshkosh. The aviation community lost a pure soul & Aviatrix Devyn Reiley.

Her passionate desire to help the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) was the only thing that could rival her welcoming demeanor. She was a remarkable and incredibly inspiring woman who passed away far too soon.

Please remember to pray for her family and her enormous extended family of friends. Keep reading to know more details about the crash and Devyn Reiley’s death. 

About the Lake Winnebago crash

A helicopter and a gyrocopter collided at 12:24 p.m. near the southern end of the EAA AirVenture flight line at Wittman Regional Airport.

The helicopter was a Rotorway 162F, and the gyrocopter was an ELA Eclipse 10. Both the helicopter and the gyrocopter were made by Rotorway. Since they belonged to the attendees of the event, they had no connection to the air show in any way.

According to the Oshkosh Fire Department, both aircraft are believed to have crashed into the ground, with the gyrocopter falling on top of a parked aircraft.

They arrived at the scene alongside numerous other emergency vehicles and U.S. Air Force firefighters who put out a fire that was coming from the helicopter, according to Oshkosh Fire.

Even though the collision stopped all aircraft operations at the airport for around two hours, the afternoon air show was still able to start shortly after 2:30 p.m.

The EAA, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, and the Oshkosh Fire Department sent personnel to the area as soon as it was reported, according to Dick Knapinski, the EAA AirVenture’s director of communications.

Only a few hours earlier, two passengers on another jet perished when it crashed into Lake Winnebago, killing all aboard.

#BREAKING USCG responding to reports of a downed T-6 Texan aircraft in Lake Winnebago, Wisc.; unknown POB. USCG Aux & local crews on scene reported debris & oil slick. Additional CG air & surface assets en route. Further info will be provided as it becomes available.

— USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) July 29, 2023

A two-passenger plane crashes into Lake Winnebago

On Saturday morning, a jet crashed into Lake Winnebago, killing two people. The U.S. Coast Guard, which was assisting in recovery efforts, said that divers working through Saturday night had found both of the dead.

The sheriff’s office reported receiving numerous complaints regarding a plane colliding with the lake at roughly 9:06 a.m.

According to Troy Jahns, shift commander for Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue, the aircraft crashed into a lake halfway between Oshkosh and Neenah.

According to a previous tweet from the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes, the aircraft is a T-6 Texan. The Coast Guard stated that the helicopter was apparently maneuvering before swiftly dropping from an altitude of around 3,000 feet and that the lake at the accident location is about 20 feet deep and has limited visibility.

Rescue Operation

The Oshkosh Fire Department, the Winneconne Fire Department, the Neenah Menasha Fire Rescue, the Calumet County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary all responded to the scene to start an emergency rescue response, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.

Later, the focus of the effort shifted to recovery. “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the occupants of the plane,” the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office said.

Authorities statement 

In a Facebook post, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office urged people to stay away from the Asylum Bay Boat Launch location.

Due to a response by an emergency vehicle, this area will be closed today. The National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Experimental Aircraft Association are “working closely” together, according to the sheriff’s office.

At Wittman Regional Airport, the location of the EAA’s AirVenture event, a helicopter and a gyrocopter crashed in mid-air, killing two persons and injuring two more, according to the EAA.

Throughout the course of AirVenture, which began on Monday and ends on Sunday, there have been five crashes in the area. Prior to Saturday, no one was critically harmed in the other collisions.

From World War II until the 1970s, the single-engine, two-seat T-6 Texan was used to educate pilots for the Air Force, Navy, and other services.

They are common at air shows and there are reportedly at least 500 of them flying in the United States. The aircraft that crashed was produced in 1944, according to its FAA registry.

About the victims

One male and one woman are among the two fatalities, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. The woman was thought to be in her 30s, and the man was in his 20s.

At this time, there are no other details that might be used to identify the victims. Divers are still working to recover the other body and the plane’s wreckage even though one body has already been found. Authorities claim that neither of the victims is a local.

What happened to Devyn Reiley?

According to regional authorities, an airplane crashed into Lake Winnebago on Saturday. Two persons lost their lives and two others sustained injuries in a collision between two aircraft on Saturday afternoon.

The injured individuals were taken to the hospital, where EAA claims their conditions are stable. We discovered via our inquiry that Devyn Reiley New Braunfels, TX, a well-known aviator was one of the victims who died in this crash. 

Also, Family members of one of the victims identified her as Devyn Reiley on social media. The facts of the occurrence are the subject of current investigations.

Devyn Reiley was an amazing ambassador for the aviation community & specifically the Warbird family. Young females found great inspiration in her.

Moreover, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration are also working with local officials.

At this moment, details about the crash circumstances are few. Police authorities are looking into the incident very closely to determine the circumstances. May her family and friends find solace in the lovely memories they shared with her. 

Who was Devyn Reiley?

Devyn Reiley a resident of New Braunfels, Texas was an incredible pilot and an inspiration to female pilots around the world. She studied BA English at Thomas Edison State University and works at Texas Warbird Museum.

Devyn was much more than simply a pilot; she was a kind person who impacted the lives of countless people with her contagious laughter, daring enthusiasm, and unfailing kindness.

She had a remarkable talent for making everyone around her feel at ease, whether she was flying through the air or telling stories.

Devyn’s passion for flying was unmatched along with Hunter Reiley, and her dedication to her craft was inspiring. She had a dream close to her heart – the creation of the Texas Warbird Museum.

Her vision was to preserve the legacy of vintage military aircraft and share the stories of the brave pilots who served their country. Through her hard work and determination, she was actively working towards turning this dream into a reality. 

Hunter Reiley wrote the following message,

We talked about making this at Oshkosh. Didn’t think it’d be forever… I can’t wait till hold your hand again. The ghosts of Airventure… 

Recently, on July 27, Devyn Reiley celebrated her third anniversary and posted a message on Facebook where she wrote,

Happy 3rd Anniversary to my hubby…we got married during “NOshkosh” so we could celebrate every year at Oshkosh! Here’s to living and chasing our dreams together for many more years to come with my best friend at my side. I love you, baby.

Devyn Reiley’s passing is mourned by his family and the aviation world

Cody Stewart wrote,

Tailwinds and blue skies my dear friend. You’re one in a billion Devyn Reiley… you have positively impacted more than you’ll ever know in aviation. You were a wonderful person, with a HUGE heart. I’m proud to have flown off your wing. Praying hard for Hunter tonight. I know he has some great people surrounding him right now.

Cassie Kraft wrote,

Devyn Reiley, I can’t believe you’re gone. I feel so lucky to have known you and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know what a light you were to this world. She was one of the coolest girls I’ve ever met and I am so sorry for your loss. 

Matt Steward wrote,

Devyn Reiley, you were an inspiration to all aviators around the world. Your kindness and passion for the sky will continue to be felt in the industry. Hunter Reiley, I’m so sorry for your loss brother. My heart goes out to you and your family. It’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later. Touch those clouds, Angel! Blue Skies & Tailwinds.  

Angel Paxton wrote,

God’s plan, not ours. Today God chose. He chose a beautiful soul. Full of love, compassion, honor, and beauty. A wife, daughter, pilot, and friend. He said “Fly to me and today you will forever live in my kingdom” and Devyn Reiley accepted.

Medico Topics extends our deepest condolences to Devyn’s family and friends during this difficult time. Let us be a source of strength and comfort for one another as we navigate through this painful journey of grief and remembrance.

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