Tragedy at cook airfield: Photographer's passion turns fatal
Thirty-seven-year-old Amanda Gallagher loved taking unconventional photos. The bigger the challenge, the more attractive the shot seemed to her. Although what happened at the airport in Kansas could have been foreseen, the traveller did not anticipate the danger.
The tragic event occurred at Cook Airfield in Derby, Kansas, on October 26 around 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Amanda Gallagher, an enthusiast of photography and skydiving, was taking photos on the airfield. While searching for the perfect shot, she stepped back and hit the propeller of an operating airplane.
The injuries she sustained were very severe. Medical services arriving at the scene determined that Amanda showed no signs of life. She was immediately transported to the hospital, yet despite the doctors' efforts, she could not be saved. She passed away in the hospital.
Tragic death of a photographer
Air Capital Drop Zone said, "photographer Amanda Gallagher was on board the plane on a Saturday afternoon to take pictures of skydivers and then returned to the ground after the divers made their jump."
The plane landed and another group of jumpers boarded, Air Capital Drop Zone reported. According to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and Federal Aviation Administration, the Cessna 182 was grounded but still operational.
"For unknown reasons, the photographer moved in front of the wing, which was a breach of basic safety procedures," Air Capital Drop Zone said in a statement. "With her camera raised to take photos, she took a few steps back, approaching the spinning propeller."
Amanda's friends organized a fundraiser on the GoFundMe platform to assist the family in covering funeral costs.
In organizing the effort, Abbey Charboneau wrote: "Amanda Gallagher was kind, brave, creative, and beautiful both inside and out. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. We will miss her dearly. She died on October 26 in a very sad accident, doing what she loved—skydiving and taking photos!" She also appealed for support for the family during this difficult time.
Condolences to family and friends
Cook Airfield expressed condolences on its social media profiles: "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young woman who died following a tragic accident involving an airplane propeller at Cook Airfield. I was absent at the event, so I will not speculate on what could or should have gone differently."
Airport representatives added: "We ask for prayers and support for her family, friends, and the Air Capital Drop Zone community."
The circumstances of the accident are currently being investigated by the appropriate services. They are trying to determine, among other things, whether all safety procedures were followed.
