A 37-year-old woman from Kansas in the US died in a freak accident that no one foresaw coming.
Amanda Gallagher, a photographer tragically lost her life on October 26 after backing into a plane’s whirling propeller while attempting to capture photographs.
Gallagher was aboard the plane to capture skydivers and she rode back down after they jumped, according to Air Capital Drop Zone, where the accident occurred.
The plane landed once more and the next batch of jumpers boarded.
It was grounded but remained in operation, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Aviation Administration.
“For unknown reasons, she moved in front of the wing, a violation of basic safety procedures. With her camera up to shoot photos as she did so, she stepped back slightly moving toward and into the spinning propeller.” Air Capital Drop Zone said.
After receiving reports of an accident, emergency personnel went to the scene soon before 3pm, where she was gravely injured.
She later died of her injuries in the hospital. An inquiry into the traumatic occurrence is presently ongoing. Following this tragedy, Gallagher’s family have started a GoFundMe page to help her family with funeral expenses.
Abbey Charboneau, Gallagher’s sister-in-law said the photographer was kind, adventurous, creative and beautiful inside and out.
“She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed. On October 26, 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,” wrote Charboneau.
The fund-raiser had a goal of around R212,725 but has surpassed this, and is currently about R257,368.
IOL