Photographer Tragically Killed by Airplane Propeller in Kansas

A tragic accident occurred in Kansas when photographer Amanda Gallagher, aged 37, was killed after inadvertently stepping into a spinning airplane propeller. On Saturday, Gallagher was on assignment capturing images of skydivers at the Air Capital Drop Zone in Derby, situated less than 15 miles from Wichita. While she was filming, she stepped backward into the path of a running but stationary airplane's propeller.

Emergency responders rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Officials from the skydiving center indicated that Gallagher had broken essential safety protocols, noting that she moved in front of the airplane’s wing while aiming her camera up to take photographs.

In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was started by a woman identified as Gallagher’s sister-in-law to help raise funds for her funeral expenses. The fundraiser attracted over $15,000 in donations, reflecting the impact Gallagher had on those around her. The message on the campaign page described her as kind, adventurous, and creative, emphasizing that she was cherished as a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. It also highlighted her passion for photography and skydiving, noting that she died while pursuing what she loved.

The investigation into Gallagher's death is currently being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.