Five members of a pickleball club tragically lost their lives when the small plane they were aboard crashed in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the identities of the victims as Justin Appling, Hayden Dillard, Brooke Skypala, Stacy Hedrick, and Seren Wilson. Appling was the pilot of the Cessna 421C that went down Thursday night in Texas Hill Country.
The aircraft had departed from Amarillo and was en route to New Braunfels National Airport when it crash-landed in Wimberley, a city located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Austin. Reports indicate that the Amarillo Pickleball Club members were traveling to a tournament in New Braunfels at the time of the crash.
Those close to the victims have described them as a close-knit, family-like group. Dillard and Appling were co-owners of a manufactured home dealership in Amarillo, which announced it would be closed until the following Monday in light of the tragedy. Sarah Lister, a fellow player, shared her memories of the duo, highlighting Appling's ability to bring laughter and Dillard's strength as a businesswoman and mother. Dillard leaves behind two daughters, one of whom is preparing to start college.
In addition to their professional lives, Dillard and Appling were avid pickleball players, often competing together in mixed doubles. Brooke Skypala was Dillard’s partner in women’s doubles and is noted for her recent achievements, including her new role as a counselor. Skypala had just begun accepting clients and was dedicated to helping people navigate various life challenges, driven by her educational background from West Texas A&M University. Moreover, she contributed to her community by hosting a pickleball camp for children from a local nonprofit.
Stacy Hedrick, affectionately nicknamed "Rippy" due to her fierce playing style, was known for her positive spirit and infectious laughter. Leroy Clifford, a club member who flew to the tournament on a different plane, described her as a skilled player who loved the game and was well-regarded by her peers. He also noted that Seren Wilson, the youngest of the group, was an accomplished tennis player, having won the University Interscholastic League team tennis state championship in 2022 while attending Amarillo High School.
The tragedy has reverberated throughout the pickleball community, with many players expressing their grief and shock. The pickleball tournament planned for this weekend at the Cranky Pickle in New Braunfels was canceled, a reflection of the somber atmosphere felt by everyone involved. Martin Robertson, the head pro at the venue, expressed the collective heartache of the community, stating, “Everyone knows everybody.”
As federal authorities investigate the cause of the crash, initial reports suggest that the plane had issued a distress signal shortly before the incident. Weather conditions were reported to be mostly cloudy, with thunderstorms developing in the area shortly after the crash.
In the aftermath, the Amarillo pickleball community is coming together to support the families of the victims during their difficult time. Clifford emphasized the importance of prayer and uplifting those closely connected to the deceased, noting that while the road ahead may be long, the love and support from the community would provide much-needed strength.
