Family and friends have identified Chase Day as the man who died Friday after a small aircraft crashed into Utah Lake, leaving his loved ones mourning the loss of an aspiring pilot who was working toward a career in aviation.
Day had recently earned his private pilot’s license and was pursuing his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. According to a fundraiser established to help his family, aviation had become an important part of his life and future.
He was remembered by those close to him as a loving son, brother, uncle and friend who approached his goals with passion and determination.
Fatal Crash on Utah Lake
According to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, the aircraft took off from Provo Airport at approximately 4 p.m. Friday before crashing into Utah Lake near Utah Lake State Park.
Emergency responders were dispatched after receiving reports that a small aircraft had gone down in the water.
Two people were aboard the plane — an adult female pilot and an adult male passenger.
The male passenger, identified by family and friends as Chase Day, died in the crash. The female pilot survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the pilot was able to bring the aircraft down in relatively shallow water, a circumstance that assisted rescue and recovery efforts.
Chase Day Was Pursuing a Dream
For Day’s family, his death represents the loss of someone who had been actively building a future around his passion for flight.
According to the family fundraiser, Day had recently obtained his private pilot’s license and was working toward becoming a commercial pilot.
His loved ones said his dedication to aviation was evident in the work he put into earning his license and continuing his flight training.
The fundraiser describes him as someone who brought passion and heart to everything he did and says his death has left his family and friends devastated.
Investigation Underway
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
The Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating Day’s death, while the National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into what caused the aircraft to crash.
Authorities have not yet released a definitive explanation for the incident.
The sheriff’s office expressed its condolences to Day’s family and thanked the numerous agencies and first responders who assisted at the scene.
Family Seeks Support
A fundraiser has been established to help Day’s parents with funeral expenses and flight-school costs as they mourn their son.
Family members are asking for continued prayers and support as they navigate the difficult days following his unexpected death.
For those who knew Chase, his story is not defined only by the crash that ended his life. He will also be remembered for the dreams he pursued, the people he loved and the passion he brought to aviation.
Chase Day’s life was tragically cut short while he was pursuing a dream of taking his career to the skies. His family, friends and loved ones are now left to carry his memory forward, remembering an aspiring pilot whose passion for flight reflected his determination to build a meaningful future.
