Tragic Loss of a Hero: Obituary, Death Jason McKenzie, Former Baton Rouge Resident and Devoted University Supporter, Dies in Plane Crash, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Courage and Dedication; Community Mourns the Sudden Passing of a Beloved Son, Friend, and Neighbor.”
Jason McKenzie, a 45-year-old resident of Augusta, Georgia, and former resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, tragically passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2024, in a plane crash. The incident occurred in a residential neighborhood in Augusta, and responding officials pronounced Jason dead at the scene due to his severe injuries.
The news of Jason’s unexpected passing has sent shockwaves through the community, with loved ones and friends mourning the loss of a kind and generous soul. Jason was a golf enthusiast and a member of the Mississippi State University golf team during his time there. Over the course of several years, McKenzie was employed in the profession of broadcasting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he had positions at WAFB-TV and Guaranty Broadcasting. For the past four years, he has been working at Augusta University, which is located near his hometown of Augusta, where he had previously relocated to. In a statement released by Augusta University, the university noted that Jason McKenzie joined the university in the year 2020 and worked in the Department of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. In this role, he was heavily involved in establishing relationships and working with donors who support the athletics programs of the university.
Jason’s family and friends are devastated by the loss of their beloved son, brother, and friend. His parents, Mark and Sarah McKenzie, are heartbroken, and his sister, Emily, is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of her brother. Jason’s friends, including Trevor, Addy, and many others, are also grieving the loss of a dear friend who was always there for them.
The plane that Jason was the only person on board took off from an airport in Augusta with the intention of traveling to New Haven, Connecticut. According to flight records, the aircraft took off at 7:13 in the morning and only reached an altitude of 625 feet before it crashed. After colliding with a tree, the plane crashed into the space between two houses on the opposite side of the street and burst into flames. The pilot was hailed as a hero by first responders for his efforts to ensure the safety of others, and there were no additional casualties reported. It was four minutes after takeoff on Thursday when the jet went down at 2750 Hillcrest Avenue near Belmont Drive, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The community is coming together to support Jason’s family and friends during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and support the family in their time of need. A memorial service is also being planned to honor Jason’s memory and celebrate his love for life.
Rest in peace, Jason McKenzie. Your courage, dedication, and selfless nature will never be forgotten. Your legacy of kindness and generosity will live on through the countless lives you touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Jason McKenzie Memorial Fund, which will support local charities and organizations that were close to Jason’s heart.
