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Lenexa Woman Killed In Reno Air Show Crash

The family of the Lenexa woman killed at an air show in Nevada is speaking out.  Cherie Elvin was watching the show with her family last Friday when an elderly stunt pilot crashed an airplane less than 100-feet from the grandstand.

Her husband, two sons and a daughter-in-law were all injured; the husband remains in critical condition.  A family member says despite the tragedy, Cherie Elvin wouldn’t want any air shows canceled as a result.

Federal investigators continue to investigate the crash, and they’re now looking at photos and videos taken by spectators at the annual show.


A mechanical failure may have caused the P-51 Mustang Galloping Ghost to plummet out of the sky Friday afternoon and crash into the viewer grandstands. The plane was on course before the accident.  

The pilot, 74-year-old Jimmy Leeward, was described as a very experienced pilot

At least 56 people were taken to local hospitals, including 15 in critical condition and another 13 were listed in serious condition.

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