Five members of the Amarillo Pickleball Club have died after their plane crashed in Wimberly, southwest of Austin, Texas. The aircraft was carrying the team to a tournament at Cranky Pickle in New Braunfels when it went down.
Sgt. Billy Ray confirmed that the pilot and four passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were identified as Seren Wilson, Brooke Skypala, Stacy Hedrick, Glenn Appling, and Hayden Dillard.
Martin Robertson, head pro at the tournament venue, said the event has been cancelled. He added that the pickleball community is tight-knit and plans to honour the deceased with a prayer before Saturday's activities.
Dan Dyer, president of the Amarillo Pickleball Club, said he had played many games with four of the victims. 'They were excellent players. They were out to win some games,' he said, noting that many enthusiasts travel regularly for tournaments.
Local resident Stacey Rohr reported hearing a crash and feeling vibrations. 'It was so close I felt like it was the back of my place up in flames,' she said, adding that she immediately called her landlord.
