Redbird Remembrance

Designation

In memoriam of seven staff and friends of Illinois State University who perished in an airplane crash on April 7, 2015

Donor

N/A

Identification Plaque

Redbird Remembrance
This memorial is dedicated to the memory of the seven staff and friends of Illinois State University who perished in an airplane crash on April 7, 2015. The accident occurred while on approach to land at the Central Illinois Regional Airport near Bloomington, Illinois. The men were on their way back from the NCAA men’s basketball championship game held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Scott Bittner Age 42 Owner of Eureka Locker Inc.
Andy Butler Age 40 Friend, Facilitator and Fan – ISU Class of ‘96
Tom Hileman Age 51 Pilot & Owner of Hileman Aviation
Jason Jones Age 45 CFP, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors
Aaron Leetch Age 37 ISU Deputy Director of Athletics
Terry Stralow Age 64 Owner of Pub II – ISU Class of ‘74
Torrey Ward Age 36 ISU Associate Head Coach – Men’s Basketball

Description

The Illinois State Athletics Department revealed the Redbird Remembrance memorial near the north entrance of Redbird Arena in honor of the seven men who lost their lives in the April 7, 2015, plane crash outside of Bloomington-Normal. The fountain in the center of the memorial has seven natural basalt column fountains installed above a pond-less basin symbolizing the loss and a commitment to remember seven friends and co-workers. A dedication plaque welcomes visitors into the memorial, which is protected by a semi-circle stone wall with built-in lights, where the names of the seven Redbirds are etched.

Reference Sources

• Duyne, Tim Van. 2015. “Redbird Athletics Unveils Redbird Remembrance.” News – Illinois State. September 16, 2015. https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2015/09/redbird-athletics-unveils-redbird-remembrance/.