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A professional photographer from the United States died after striking a propeller at the skydiving company Air Capital Drop Zone in Derby, Kansas, on October 26.

According to US media reports, 37-year-old Amanda Gallagher, a photographer and keen parachutist, accidentally fell back into the active propeller while taking photos of her fellow parachutists at the airport.

In a statement Obtained by E! NewsLieutenant Eric Slay said:

“Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the general crash that occurred at approximately 2:40 pm (Air Capital Drop Zone) on October 26. “Amanda Gallagher came into contact with a grounded and stationary but still operating aircraft and received critical injuries. “

It’s clear from Gallagher’s Instagram account that he is an experienced parachutist and regularly takes aerial and ground photos at active airports. A post dated September 29, 2021, shows her first time completing a skydive above 18,000ft: “I can’t even describe how amazing this is.”

He completed his first solo skydive earlier this month. Gallagher leaves behind his partner of three years.

NBC News reports Air Capital Drop Zone released a statement saying Gallagher was there to take photos of the paratroopers.

“After the plane landed, for unknown reasons, as the next group of jumpers boarded the plane, he moved towards the front of the wing, violating basic safety procedures. With his camera on to take photographs, he moved back slightly, moving towards and into the spinning propeller.”

Owner Martin Myrtle said Gallagher was beautiful “inside and out” and that her death had a “profound” impact on the Drop Zone community.

Cook Airport, where the company operates, was also published A statement from the Facebook page:

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young lady who lost her life yesterday following a tragic accident caused by an aircraft propeller at Cook Airport. I was not there when it happened so I will not speculate on what could or should have happened differently. Please ask her family, friends and Air Keep the Capital Drop Zone family in your prayers and thoughts.”

One user on the airport’s Facebook page wrote:

“How does this happen? The aircraft’s engines and propellers must ALWAYS be turned off until the crew and passengers are safely on board. This is terrible and absolutely preventable.”

Gallagher’s sister-in-law started a campaign GoFundMe page To raise money for his funeral. He writes:

“Amanda Gallagher was kind, adventurous, creative, and beautiful inside and out. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend and will be greatly missed.”

The page has currently raised $14,762, surpassing its goal of $12,000.