Grandmother and 3 Family Members Killed in Wisconsin Plane Crash While Returning Home from Surprise Visit to Granddaughters

A joyful family visit ended in heartbreaking tragedy when a grandmother, her two adult daughters and her 13-year-old grandson were killed in a small-plane crash in Wisconsin. The family had traveled to surprise her granddaughters at a high school volleyball game, hoping to share a special moment together before heading home. Instead, their journey ended in a devastating crash during stormy weather.

Mary K. Brion, 67, her daughters Amanda M. Haremza, 45, and Kayla C. Turpin, 39, and her grandson Rylan Haremza, 13, were among six people who died when the Piper aircraft crashed on the night of October 13, 2026. The tragedy occurred in a wooded area near Dellona, close to Mirror Lake State Park and Wisconsin Dells.

The other victims were identified as Ron R. Riek, 63, the plane’s experienced pilot, and Tyler J. Harvey, 36, a certified flight instructor. Authorities confirmed that all six people aboard the aircraft died.

A Surprise Visit Meant to Bring the Family Together

For Mary Brion and her husband, David, traveling to watch their granddaughters play volleyball was a chance to make precious family memories. The couple lived approximately five hours away by car, making it difficult to attend the girls’ games regularly.

Mary’s love of watching her grandchildren play sports made the trip especially meaningful. The family reportedly arranged to fly to the game through a friend of their son-in-law who was a pilot.

After surprising the girls at their high school volleyball match, Mary, her daughters and her grandson began their journey home. They never made it back.

Speaking about his wife after the crash, David Brion recalled how much she loved watching the grandchildren. He told The Associated Press that the family had been excited about the trip and expressed his grief over the devastating loss.

The tragedy has left relatives and members of the community mourning four generations of family memories that will now be carried on by those left behind.

What Happened During the Flight?

According to preliminary information released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft was flying at approximately 24,000 feet when the pilot reported icing conditions and requested permission to descend.

Air traffic control approved the request. Investigators said the aircraft then entered a right-hand descending turn that increased in rate until communications and tracking data were lost.

Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls at approximately 9:31 p.m. local time reporting that a plane had gone down. First responders arrived at the scene and discovered the wreckage in a densely wooded area.

All six occupants were found dead.

Investigators subsequently examined the aircraft’s cabin, cockpit, engines and propellers while documenting the main crash site. Additional searches were planned to locate wreckage that may have been scattered throughout the surrounding woods.

The investigation is focused on determining the circumstances that led to the crash, including the reported icing conditions and the aircraft’s movements during its descent. Officials have not yet established a final cause.

Remembering a Grandson Who Loved Sports and the Outdoors

Among the victims was 13-year-old Rylan Haremza, whose death has added another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating loss.

His grandfather remembered him as a wonderful child who enjoyed hunting, fishing, football and wrestling. Those interests painted a picture of a young boy who loved spending time outdoors and participating in the activities that brought him happiness.

Mary’s daughters also had strong connections to the local school community. Rob Stewart, superintendent of Alma Area Schools, confirmed that both women had attended schools in the district.

Stewart described the family as kind and well regarded, emphasizing how deeply the loss had affected the small rural community. In a close-knit area where many residents know one another, the deaths have been felt far beyond the immediate family.

An Experienced Pilot Also Among the Victims

The other two people killed were Riek, who owned the aircraft, and Harvey, a certified flight instructor.

Riek was a respected member of the local aviation community and was described by fellow aviation officials as an experienced pilot. He also built a successful logistics business and was known for his involvement in airport activities.

Harvey’s presence on the flight was also noted by local aviation officials, who said Riek may have invited him along.

The crash has deeply affected the aviation community around Menomonie, which had experienced another fatal plane crash in the previous year. The loss of six people in a single incident has renewed attention on the dangers pilots can face when severe weather and icing conditions develop during flight.

Investigation Continues as Loved Ones Grieve

The NTSB is leading the investigation into the crash, examining the aircraft, flight information and communications with air traffic control to determine what happened in the final moments before impact.

Icing can interfere with an aircraft’s ability to generate lift and maintain stable flight, making it a serious hazard. However, investigators must analyze the available evidence before drawing conclusions about the role it played in this particular accident.

For the families of the six victims, the technical investigation is only one part of an immeasurable loss. What began as a special trip to surprise two young girls at a volleyball game ended with a grandmother, two daughters, a teenage grandson and two aviation professionals losing their lives.

Mary Brion had wanted to be there for her grandchildren, sharing in the ordinary but meaningful moments that make family life special. Her final trip became a tragedy that has devastated those who knew and loved her.

As the investigation continues, relatives and community members are left remembering the six people whose lives were lost and the family visit that was meant to bring happiness.

Source: PEOPLE Magazine