Mourning the loss of a true Southern Belle

Damn, I really hate this. News is still coming in, but here's the article I was woken up by this morning: Charleston Plane Crash Kills Two

I didn't know Carly extremely well, but I know from my times with her that she was as kind a person as you could hope to meet, easy-going and unafraid. She was a very beautiful young woman who had built quite a life for herself, and had a bright future ahead of her. Well-spoken and well-traveled, with fine southern manners to match her bright personality, she never walked into an unwelcoming room or a met anyone as a stranger. I remember very well the first time I ever met her, she treated me like an old friend, just as surely as if we'd grown up together.

While all the details aren't known from the crash that killed her yesterday evening, I know this much: it shouldn't have happened. In all my years flying, I've learned many things, and one of the first I ever learned was that you don't get into or pilot anything, even a powered glider, that isn't certified. When you're up in the air, you're relying on physics and engineering to keep you alive, and certification makes sure that at least one of those things is covered. I don't know the pilot, don't know his story; I know he had experience flying the glider, but that he wasn't a certified pilot.

I am distraught that he was willing to take such a risk with not only his life, but with Carly's, and that she was made to pay for his recklessness.

I, for one, am definitely no stranger to taking risks. Half of my hobbies or better are risky. And I know that Carly was of a similar mindset. Yet we all know that you mitigate risks, even when you are the adventurous sort. You don't take the foolish risks. I am certain she wasn't made aware of what she was stepping into. I only hope someone, somewhere learns from what has happened.

Carly Donohue, rest in peace. You were far too young to be taken like this, and certainly far too good a person. You will surely be missed by all that knew you. You are, and will be, in our thoughts and prayers.