Friends and family of two local men killed in the crash of an aerobatic aircraft near the Rio Vista Airport on Thursday are rallying to help family members deal with their loss.
Benjamin Shreve, 41, of Concord, and Jesse Buckner, 33, of Martinez, were aboard a Steen Skybolt biplane when it crashed into a field north of the Asta Construction Co. quarry and east of the airport.
Both men were declared deceased at the scene.
The Solano County Sheriff’s office reported the crash at about 11:45 a.m., ground units led to the crash site by an unidentified pilot who orbited the scene.
A National Transportation Safety Board investigator arrived in Rio Vista on Friday to begin the agency’s inquiry into the crash. A preliminary report is expected in two to three weeks.
Meanwhile, friends and relatives of Shreve – a professional pilot and Concord native – organized a GoFundMe account on behalf of his wife, a local teacher, and children, ages 2 and 7 years.
Friends called Shreve an “all around great guy” and expressed hope that his children might receive sufficient funding for their respective futures.
My condolences go out to the families & friends. This is so sad. God Bless all of you 🙏🙏
Rest in Peace Benjamin and Jesse. Prayers and condolences to our to the Families. In so sorry this happened.
Yes, very sad I know what she’s going through. Unfortunately I can’t afford to donate because I had cancer and I have a worst fall but I know how it is to live in Martinez I live in Martinez Chrissy could go down and get a watermelon. It’s $10 so you don’t buy any more. My natural milk went up from two something to 6.49 so I know this go fund me is really going to go help her out because we’re all struggling here. Maybe some Danville and Alamo people in San Ramon and other movie stars and country clubs. We have here and I’m sure they could donate.
Good work by the second pilot who led emergency services to the scene but he didn’t have a radio?
Was he doing aerobatics prior to the crash?