Amanda Gallagher, a talented 37-year-old photographer and passionate skydiver, tragically passed away on October 26, 2024, following an accident at Cook Airfield in Derby, Kansas. Known for capturing the thrill and intensity of skydiving, Gallagher was at the airfield on that day to photograph fellow skydivers for the Air Capital Drop Zone. In a brief moment, while focusing on her craft, she accidentally backed into an active airplane propeller, sustaining critical injuries. Emergency responders arrived quickly and rushed her to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, Gallagher did not survive.

Her family and friends remember her as a kind-hearted, adventurous spirit with a love for life and a creative eye. Gallagher owned and operated AG Photography, a business where she brought moments of beauty and excitement to life through her lens. Photography was not just her career; it was a part of who she was. Gallagher had recently completed her first solo skydive, and she frequently shared her experiences and the joy she found in skydiving with her friends and followers. Her family expressed that she was doing what she loved when the accident occurred, capturing the energy of the skies and the people who shared her passion.

Following the incident, Cook Airfield and Air Capital Drop Zone offered condolences, asking the community to keep Gallagher’s family, friends, and skydiving community in their thoughts. A GoFundMe page, started by her sister-in-law, has since been created to help cover funeral expenses. Gallagher’s loved ones describe her as a vibrant person who brought joy to everyone around her, leaving an impact that will not be forgotten.

This incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks involved in high-energy pursuits like skydiving, even for those who exercise caution. Gallagher’s life and work captured the beauty of flight and the passion of the skydiving community, and her passing is felt deeply by all who knew her.