Wimberley, Texas – Brooke Skypala was one of a woman who dedicated her life to healing others, both in her professional career and through the deep bonds she formed on the sports court. As a mother, a professional, and an athlete, her loss has left a profound impact on the Amarillo community.
Brooke Skypala A Heart for Healing
Brooke Skypala was a highly respected local professional who served as a Trauma-Informed Counselor. Her career was centered on helping individuals navigate their most difficult moments, a testament to her empathetic and resilient nature.
Beyond her professional life, Brooke was a mother and a passionate athlete. She was a fixture of the Amarillo Pickleball Club, where she was known as a fierce but joyful competitor. She was the frequent women’s doubles partner of Hayden Dillard; the two were known not just for their teamwork, but for the genuine friendship they shared off the court. Friends describe her as a “genuine person” who brought warmth and stability to her circle of friends.
Incident Date & Time
The tragic accident occurred on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at approximately 11:03 PM.
Incident Location
The aircraft went down in a rural, wooded section of Wimberley, Texas. First responders located the site in the 200 block of Round Rock Road, near the intersection of Ledgerock Road and FM 2325, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
The Victims
The crash claimed the lives of five individuals who were traveling together to a tournament in New Braunfels:
- Brooke Skypala
- Hayden Dillard
- Justin “Glen” Appling (The Pilot)
- Stacy Hedrick
- Seren Wilson
Details of the Incident
Brooke and her friends were passengers aboard a Cessna 421C, a twin-engine aircraft piloted by Glen Appling. The group was en route from Amarillo to the New Braunfels National Airport for the “Cranky Pickle” pickleball tournament.
According to flight tracking data, the plane was maintaining a cruise altitude of 17,400 feet when it suddenly entered a catastrophic descent. The aircraft plummeted at a rate exceeding 5,000 feet per minute before radar contact was lost. Local authorities reported that a post-impact fire broke out at the scene.
The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the crash. While the investigation is in its early stages, they are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance history and the atmospheric conditions in the Wimberley area at the time of the flight. Brooke’s legacy remains one of service, motherhood, and a love for her community.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this time of tragic loss. We stand with our community in offering our sincere thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
