PROVO — David Whitney and Jamie Bennee shared a love of flying and of life. Their passion is what family members say they will remember most about the aviation student and flight instructor from Utah Valley University.
"I came to the airport a couple of times to watch him fly, and he just loved it so much and it was truly his passion. He was so happy doing it," said Camilla Boles, Whitney's sister.
Family, friends and colleagues held a memorial service Tuesday held at Hangar B at the Provo Airport to honor the lives of the 25-year-old aviation student and 34-year-old certified flight instructor. The two were killed two weeks ago when their plane, a single-engine Diamond DA-20 crashed in Payson near Wilson Elementary School. The plane landed in front of a house and brought down power lines. No one on the ground was injured.
The cause of the crash is still unclear. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report Tuesday. The report quoted witnesses who reported seeing the plane spiral or spin toward the ground and hearing sounds consistent with engine operation. No distress calls was received by air traffic control or on the UVU base frequency at the Provo Airport. A final report is not expected for several months.
Boles said she takes some comfort in knowing so many people cared about her brother. When she heard UVU wanted to honor Whitney and Bennee, she said the feeling of love and support was overwhelming, though the pain is still difficult to bear.
"One minute, it's really hard, and then the next it doesn't feel real and I think he's still here and just hasn't come around in a while or hasn't called me in a bit, that's hard," Boles said.
Bennee's mother, Danalea Cope, and aunt, Kelly Patrick, spoke at the memorial, each sharing stories of Bennee's dedication to family. Bennee was a loving wife and mother, and to her husband, Joshua, she was his best friend.
"She'll never be forgotten in my eyes, she'll always have my love," Joshua Bennee said.
Joshua Bennee said he takes it day by day. He has hope he will pull through this difficult time aided by support and confidence from UVU community and family. He said his main priority is staying strong and focused for the couple's two young children.
Rich Crandall, director of safety for UVU's aviation program said the loss of both Jamie Bennee and Whitney has had a far-reaching effect and touched the lives of many.
"We're all one family when it comes to aviation and when something like this happens, it affects all of us." Rich Crandall said.
More than 300 people attended the memorial service. Bennee leaves behind a husband, a 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter. Whitney leaves behind a wife.
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