BREAKING: Tragedy Strikes Detroit Lions as Team Plane Crashes En Route to Preseason Camp
May 4, 2025 | Detroit Free Press
Detroit, MI — In a devastating blow to the sports world, the Detroit Lions are mourning the loss of players, coaches, and staff following the crash of the team’s charter plane late Sunday night. The flight was en route to a preseason training camp in Colorado when it went down in the Rocky Mountains.
The aircraft, carrying 43 passengers, reportedly experienced severe mechanical failure shortly after passing over central Colorado airspace. Air traffic controllers lost contact around 9:47 p.m. local time. Emergency crews located the crash site early Monday in a remote mountainous region near Aspen. Officials have confirmed 36 fatalities; 7 passengers survived with varying degrees of injury.
Among those confirmed lost are head coach Dan Campbell, Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, and 2025 first-round draft pick Tyleik Williams. Several assistant coaches and team medical personnel are also among the deceased.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called it “a tragedy beyond words,” adding, “The Detroit Lions are more than a team—they are a cornerstone of the NFL and a symbol of resilience. We grieve with Detroit and with fans everywhere.”
In Detroit, thousands gathered outside Ford Field through the early hours of the morning, laying flowers, lighting candles, and holding one another in stunned silence. The Spirit of Detroit statue was draped in a Lions flag at dawn.
Team owner Sheila Ford Hamp released a somber statement:
“We are heartbroken. There are no words that can fully express the grief we feel today. These men were leaders, teammates, fathers, sons, and friends. Their absence leaves a void that can never be filled.”
The team had been preparing for what was expected to be a Super Bowl-contending season after a franchise-best 15–2 record in 2024. Now, the organization—and the city—face an unimaginable future.
The NFL has suspended all league operations for the week. A public memorial will be held at Ford Field on Friday, with further details to be announced in the coming days.
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