{"id":310753,"date":"2026-06-17T18:39:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T18:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/310753\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T18:39:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T18:39:10","slug":"he-had-so-much-promise-family-mourning-loss-of-tallahassee-native-killed-in-missouri-skydiving-plane-crash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/310753\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018He had so much promise\u2019: Family mourning loss of Tallahassee native killed in Missouri skydiving plane crash"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Tallahassee native is among 11 skydivers and a pilot killed in a plane crash<\/a> that occurred Sunday in Missouri.<\/p>\n

Blake Thacker, 25, was on the plane to complete his certification to become a skydiving coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was doing something he loves and that gives us a little bit of comfort,\u201d said Thacker\u2019s father, Dr. Richard Thacker.<\/p>\n

The 2019 Chiles High School graduate, band member and National Merit Scholar first developed an interest in skydiving several years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis first skydiving experience was here in Quincy on his 18th birthday. He wanted to do something different. He and his mom, Shery, went together,\u201d said Richard Thacker.<\/p>\n

\"TallahasseeTallahassee family mourning loss of son killed in Missouri skydiving plane crash(Thacker Family)<\/p>\n

Through his academic career, Blake Thacker received a lot of interest from colleges across the country, but ultimately chose the University of Florida, where he was in the marching band and drumline during his first two years.<\/p>\n

While at UF, Thacker and other friends talked about their interest in skydiving, which led to more opportunities for the group in nearby Palatka.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was going every week. He had gotten the bug and I like to say he found his people there,\u201d said Thacker.<\/p>\n

Around the time of his death, Blake Thacker had completed more than 300 jumps, his father said. His family members said Blake wanted to become a coach to help others with their passion. He was training with a world-renowned instructor, who also died in the crash Sunday.<\/p>\n

His family explained that despite the loss, they continue to have great love and respect for the people in the field that Blake was happy to be a part of.<\/p>\n

\"TallahasseeTallahassee family mourning loss of son killed in Missouri plane crash(Thacker Family)<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t want anything to disparage the sport. He knew and we knew this is a dangerous sport, but so is riding a motorcycle, so is skateboarding, so is anything on a boat,\u201d said Thacker.<\/p>\n

Richard Thacker said his son also worked at Garmin in aeronautics. His experience at UF allowed him to take an internship with NASA, where he worked on the Artemis II project. His family knows his future was so bright.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a very loving child. As much as a parent gives that love to their child, he reflected that back. He had so much promise,\u201d Thacker continued. \u201cWe\u2019re just heartbroken. What can you say? I wouldn\u2019t wish this on any parent,\u201d Thacker said.<\/p>\n

His family is thankful for the outpouring of support from Tallahassee and beyond. While they prepare to say their goodbyes, there\u2019s one final gift from Blake that is especially emotional to his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a package right next to me on the table that Blake sent his mother. Her birthday is on Monday and we have a FedEx package here. And we\u2019re afraid to open it. It\u2019s not the gift, but we know there will be a note inside and we can\u2019t open it right now,\u201d said Thacker.<\/p>\n

\"TallahasseeTallahassee family mourning loss of son killed in Missouri plane crash(Thacker Family)<\/p>\n

Among those remembering Thacker is Chiles High School band director Mike German. Thacker was a percussionist in the Timberwolf Marching Band.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe played the snare drum right next to my son,\u201d German said as he found Thacker\u2019s picture in a 2019 photo. \u201cThey had a repartee and were always kidding with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

German said he heard about Thacker\u2019s passing Tuesday night as word of his death started spreading among friends and former band members.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a great kid, always showed up, always did the right thing,\u201d German said. \u201cHe brought a lot of fun to the band too.\u201d<\/p>\n

German said Thacker\u2019s parents were band boosters and their friendship went beyond the band. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a tragedy,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat a great family. I can\u2019t imagine what they\u2019re feeling right now. It\u2019s heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Federal investigators continue to probe into the cause of the crash. Blake\u2019s family is traveling to the area to retrieve his belongings and talk with people there before planning a celebration of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cFolks that we\u2019ve never met have reached out to us to tell us what a fine person that he was and how they interacted and how Blake had some sort of influence on them and that means a lot to us,\u201d said Thacker.<\/p>\n

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