Devyn Riley Obituary, Who was Devyn Riley? What Happened to Devyn Riley? How Did Devyn Riley Die?
by Sai V | Updated Aug 04, 2023
Devyn Riley Obituary
Devyn Riley, a talented and ambitious 30-year-old pilot, tragically passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the aviation community. As the daughter of Super Bowl champion Bruce Collie and the eldest of 13 children, Devyn's passion for flying was unparalleled. She ran a flight training academy in Texas and had been accepted into the Air Force reserves, pursuing her dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, with a special interest in flying refuelers.
Devyn's life was cut short during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show when her WWII T-6 Texan airplane crashed into Lake Winnebago. Alongside her, her co-pilot, 20-year-old Zach Colliemoreno, also lost his life. Devyn's love for aviation and dedication to her dreams inspired all who knew her, and her memory will be cherished forever. In addition to her aviation accomplishments, Devyn was a devoted wife to her husband, Hunter, and the two had recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary.
They met at an aviation convention in Oshkosh, where their shared passion for flying brought them together. Devyn's untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the entire aviation community. Hunter expressed his love and grief in a heartfelt blog post, honoring his beloved wife's memory and the dreams they had shared. Devyn Riley's indomitable spirit and dedication to her dreams will continue to inspire and influence aspiring aviators for generations to come.
Who was Devyn Riley?
Devyn Riley was a remarkable 30-year-old aviator with a passion for flying and a deep connection to a renowned sports legacy. As the daughter of former San Francisco 49'er Bruce Collie, she carried on her family's tradition of aviation and was the eldest of 13 children. Devyn's love for flight led her to run a flight training academy in Texas and pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot, with a particular goal of flying refuelers.
Her dream was to make a mark in the aviation industry, and she had been accepted into the Air Force reserves to further her aspirations. Tragically, Devyn's life was cut short during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show in Wisconsin. On July 30, her WWII T-6 Texan airplane crashed into Lake Winnebago, claiming her life and that of her co-pilot, Zach Koly Merano. Devyn's loss has left an indelible mark on the aviation community, and she will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her dreams and her radiant spirit.
Beyond her aviation accomplishments, Devyn was a devoted wife to her husband, Hunter Reiley, with whom she had recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary. The two shared a profound love for aviation, having met at an aviation convention in Oshkosh. Devyn's tragic passing has left a void in the hearts of her family and friends, who remember her as a beloved sister and a true friend to all who knew her.
Her inspiring journey and boundless enthusiasm for life touched the lives of thousands, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Devyn Riley's legacy is one of perseverance, joy, and an unyielding commitment to her passions, a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift others for generations to come.
What Happened to Devyn Riley?
Devyn Riley, the 30-year-old daughter of former San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl champion Bruce Collie, tragically lost her life during an aviation event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Devyn, a co-founder of the Texas Warbird Museum and an aviation enthusiast, was flying a World War II-era T-6 Texan during the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture show. The aircraft crashed into Lake Winnebago on Saturday morning, claiming her life and that of her 20-year-old co-pilot, Zach Colliemoreno.
The event brought together thousands of aviation enthusiasts and builders from all over the world, making Wittman Regional Airport the busiest control tower for a week each summer. Devyn's passing left her family, friends, and the aviation community in mourning, as she was known for her dedication to flying and her joyful spirit.In addition to the tragedy involving Devyn's aircraft, another accident occurred during the same event when a helicopter and a gyrocopter collided midair over a runway.
This incident claimed the lives of pilot Mark Peterson, 69, and passenger Thomas Volz, 72, while injuring two others. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local law enforcement are ongoing to determine the causes of both crashes. While accidents during the convention are rare, it is noted that home-built planes flying to Oshkosh from various locations do pose inherent risks, and human error is often a contributing factor. The aviation community remembers Devyn Riley as a passionate aviator whose love for flying will leave a lasting impact on the industry she so dearly cherished.
How did Devyn Riley Die?
Devyn Riley tragically lost her life in a plane crash during an airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The incident occurred during the AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 event, where Devyn was flying a World War II-era T-6 Texan. On Sunday morning, at around 9 AM, the aircraft plummeted into Lake Winnebago. Witnesses reported that the plane appeared to be spinning before it crashed into the body of water.
Devyn, a 30-year-old co-founder of the Texas Warbird Museum and an aviation enthusiast, was not the sole occupant of the plane. A 20-year-old man named Zach Colliemoreno, who was with her, also tragically lost his life in the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash, and the details surrounding the tragic event are still being examined.
Devyn's passing has left her family, friends, and the aviation community in mourning. She was known for her dedication to flying and her joyful spirit, which left a lasting impact on those who knew her. The aviation world will remember her as a passionate aviator, and her love for flight will continue to inspire others in the industry she so deeply cherished.
Devyn Riley Obituary - FAQs
Devyn Riley was a 30-year-old talented pilot and descendant of Super Bowl champion Bruce Collie.
Devyn Riley died in a plane crash during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show when her WWII T-6 Texan crashed into Lake Winnebago.
Devyn was a co-founder of the Texas Warbird Museum, ran a flight training academy, and pursued a career as a commercial airline pilot.
Devyn's dedication to her dreams and love for aviation inspired many, leaving a lasting impact on her family and the aviation community.
Devyn met her husband, Hunter Reiley, at an aviation convention in Oshkosh, where they bonded over their shared passion for flying.