Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Prominent Pickleball Players in Texas

A tragic plane crash in Texas has claimed the lives of four prominent pickleball players, including Hayden Dillard and Seren Wilson. As investigations continue, the pickleball community mourns the loss of these talented athletes. Friends and fellow competitors remember them for their skills and the strong bonds they shared both on and off the court. The incident has left a profound impact on the community, highlighting the close-knit nature of the sport. Read on to learn more about the victims and the ongoing investigation.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2026, 14:19 IST

Identities of Victims Revealed

The identities of four pickleball players who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in Texas earlier this month have been disclosed. Investigators are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's descent near Austin. The deceased have been named as Hayden Dillard, Seren Wilson, Brooke Skypala, and Stacy Hedrick, all members of the Amarillo Pickleball Club, along with their pilot, Justin Appling, who was also involved in the sport.

The incident occurred on May 1 in Wimberley, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Austin. Currently, the investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the crash remains undetermined. This heartbreaking event has cast a shadow over the pickleball community, with friends and fellow players honoring the victims as talented athletes whose bonds extended beyond the game.

Among the victims, Wilson was the youngest and had previously made a name for herself as a promising tennis player. She won the University Interscholastic League team tennis state championship in 2022, as noted by the tennis booster club at Amarillo High School, her alma mater.

Sarah Lister, a fellow pickleball player who became acquainted with Dillard and Appling through various tournaments, described them as 'genuine individuals.' She highlighted Appling's knack for entertaining others and Dillard's ability to juggle competitive sports with her responsibilities as a mother and businesswoman. Dillard is survived by two daughters, one of whom is about to start college. Lister mentioned that Dillard and Appling had been long-time partners in mixed doubles, while Skypala frequently teamed up with Dillard in women's doubles events.

'The pickleball community is quite small, despite its vastness,' Lister remarked. 'When one of us faces a tragedy like this, it impacts the entire community.'

Leroy Clifford, another member of the Amarillo Pickleball Club who attended the same tournament separately, shared that the group had formed strong bonds over years of competing in Pro Pickleball Association-sanctioned events across the nation, including Dallas and Las Vegas. 'This group was enjoyable to be around—fun-loving, relaxed, and always joking with one another,' Clifford stated. 'You couldn’t ask for better friends.'

Clifford recalled spending significant time playing with Skypala, whom he described as naturally athletic and quick-witted. 'She was incredibly sweet and had a great sense of humor,' he added. Dan Dyer, president of the Amarillo Pickleball Club, mentioned that he had played numerous matches with four of the five victims and had witnessed their consistent success in tournaments. 'I’ve awarded them medals. They were outstanding players, always aiming to win,' Dyer remarked. 'Every weekend, there are countless tournaments. Some players catch the bug and will travel for competitions.'