Darrell Whittaker, an accomplished pilot, lost his life when his single-engine plane plunged into the Cumberland River Monday afternoon, leaving the aviation industry and the town of Chatham County in shock. Whittaker's family, friends and co-workers are inconsolable in the wake of the tragic accident as they struggle to cope with the unexpected loss of a man who was known for his generosity, devotion and love for those he loved in addition to his passion for flying.
Tragically, Darrell Whittaker was pronounced dead at the scene. His plane was discovered upside down in the Cumberland River. Rescue crews arrived at the river and found Whittaker unconscious and wreckage submerged, according to Sheriff Binkley, who verified the pilot's identity. Aviation officials are now investigating the cause of the crash in an effort to piece together the sequence of events that led to the fatal disaster.
Beyond his career as a pilot, Darrell Whittaker was a spouse, parent and dear friend to many people. Those who knew him, especially his family, are left to deal with the indescribable sorrow of losing a person who meant the world to them. His death left an unfillable void in their lives. Darrell was known for his love of aviation. He was a skilled and veteran pilot who flew for many years, exploring the skies with the happiness and purpose that shaped much of his life.
The circumstances surrounding the seconds leading up to the disaster are still unknown, although the collision occurred in what appears to be a typical drive. Darrell had flown the single-engine plane many times before, so the entire town of Chatham County was shocked when it crashed into the Cumberland River. Emergency crews found Darrell lying in the upside-down wreckage of the plane, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to save his life. Both local officials and aviation professionals are interested in learning more about what happened and are looking for explanations as to why the crash happened.
