Tragedy in the Skies: NCAA Woman of the Year and Family Killed in Plane Crash En Route to Catskills
April 13, 2025
A devastating plane crash in upstate New York has claimed the lives of multiple individuals, including this year’s NCAA Woman of the Year, sending shockwaves through both the athletic and academic communities nationwide. The small private aircraft went down Saturday afternoon approximately 20 miles south of its intended destination as the family traveled to the scenic Catskills region for a spring getaway.
Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred in a remote wooded area near Sullivan County, a few miles east of Livingston Manor. The aircraft—a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron—was en route from a private airfield outside of Philadelphia, bound for a regional airport near Monticello, New York.
The flight tragically ended in disaster when, for reasons still under investigation, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after entering New York airspace. Emergency responders located the wreckage late Saturday evening after a search operation was launched by local authorities, assisted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Among the deceased was 23-year-old Taylor Reynolds, a standout scholar-athlete who had recently been honored as the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year for her extraordinary accomplishments in athletics, academics, and community service. A four-year varsity track star at the University of Virginia and a biomedical engineering graduate with top honors, Reynolds was hailed as a rising leader both on and off the field.
Also on board were her parents, Dr. Marcus Reynolds and Angela Reynolds, as well as her younger brother, Elijah, a high school sophomore. All four perished in the crash. The family, known for their deep ties to the Philadelphia community and their philanthropic work, leaves behind an enormous void.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker in a statement Sunday morning. “Taylor was not only an incredible athlete but a beacon of inspiration, intellect, and compassion. Her legacy will live on in the thousands of young people she motivated during her short but powerful life.”
The University of Virginia released a statement mourning the loss, describing Taylor as “a brilliant light within our community whose impact reached far beyond our campus. She exemplified everything it means to be a student-athlete.”
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the crash. While weather conditions at the time were reported as mostly clear, investigators have not ruled out mechanical failure or pilot error. Preliminary findings are expected within the coming week, but a full investigation could take several months.
Friends, teammates, and coaches gathered for an impromptu candlelight vigil on the university’s lawn Sunday night, sharing memories and holding back tears as they remembered Taylor’s boundless energy and warmth.
“She had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered,” said teammate Jasmine Kim. “She was the kind of person you just wanted to be around. This doesn’t feel real.”
The crash has left the Catskills community in mourning as well, where the Reynolds family were frequent visitors. Local residents recalled seeing the family at community events and hiking trails in the area. “They were a beautiful family,” said Catskills resident Mark Donnelly. “It’s heartbreaking to think we won’t see them again.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with universities and athletic organizations across the country planning tributes to honor Taylor Reynolds and her family.
As investigations continue and communities grieve, one thing is certain—Taylor Reynolds’ impact will be felt for generations to come, and her loss is being mourned on a national scale.
