The story of Seren Wilson is a poignant one, representing a life of incredible athletic promise and a spirit that deeply touched the Amarillo community. At only 22 years old, she was the youngest victim of the tragedy, remembered for her competitive excellence and her ability to “love big.”
Seren Wilson: A Rising Star
Seren Wilson was a standout athlete whose name was already etched into the history of Texas high school sports. A graduate of Amarillo High School, she was a celebrated member of the “Sandie” netters. In 2022, she achieved the ultimate high school athletic goal by becoming a University Interscholastic League (UIL) Team Tennis State Champion.
While her roots were in tennis, Seren had recently brought her elite skills and competitive fire to the world of pickleball. Despite being newer to the group than some of the veteran players, she was quickly embraced as family. Fellow club members described her as a source of constant encouragement whose presence made every match brighter. The Amarillo Pickleball Club shared that her “spirit will be deeply missed by so many.”
Incident Date & Time
The accident occurred on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at approximately 11:03 PM.
Incident Location
The aircraft crashed in the Texas Hill Country in Wimberley, Texas. The wreckage was located in the 200 block of Round Rock Road, near the intersection of Ledgerock Road and FM 2325. This location is about 40 miles southwest of Austin.
The Victims
Seren was traveling with four other members of her close-knit pickleball community, all of whom perished in the crash:
- Seren Wilson
- Justin “Glen” Appling (The Pilot)
- Hayden Dillard
- Brooke Skypala
- Stacy Hedrick
Details of the Tragedy
Seren and her teammates were passengers on a Cessna 421C twin-engine plane. They were flying from Amarillo to the New Braunfels National Airport to participate in the “Cranky Pickle” tournament.
Flight records show the aircraft was traveling at an altitude of 17,400 feet when it suddenly entered a sharp, rapid descent. The plane plummeted at a rate of more than 5,000 feet per minute before disappearing from radar. Authorities confirmed that the plane struck the ground at a high rate of speed, resulting in a post-impact fire.
The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the cause of the crash. They are examining several factors, including the mechanical history of the 1978 Cessna and the regional weather, which included a thunderstorm that moved into the area shortly after the incident. Seren’s legacy remains that of a champion—not just for the titles she won, but for the love and encouragement she gave to everyone she met.
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.
