‘One of a kind’: Heroic pilot is mourned in Augusta, elsewhere

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The community is mourning a pilot who died Thursday morning in an Augusta plane crash – a man many are calling a hero for saving lives on the ground.

Scott McKenzie, associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University, was the only person killed when the single-engine Beechcraft 36 crashed at Hillcrest Avenue and Belmont Drive just after 7:13 a.m. Thursday.

First responders credit McKenzie’s piloting for avoiding further deaths and injuries.

The plane, bound for New Haven, Conn., crashed in a densely populated residential neighborhood just after taking off from Daniel Field, just a couple of blocks away.

McKenzie joined Augusta University in 2020 and worked in philanthropy and alumni engagement, where he was extensively involved in building relationships and working with donors who support athletics programs.

“His passion for the university and our athletics programs was unsurpassed. We are keeping Jason’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers,” AU said in a statement.

A former resident of Baton Rouge, he was on the golf team at Mississippi State University.

McKenzie worked in the broadcasting field for many years in Baton Rouge including at WAFB-TV and Guaranty Broadcasting.

But Augusta was his hometown, so he moved back here four years ago.

McKenzie was a close friend of Augusta Commission member Sean Frantom, who appeared shaken when he visited the crash site Thursday.

“He was one of kind. My friend for over 35 years,” Frantom posted on Facebook. “He loved the Lord and loved his family. He is one of the best family men I have ever seen.”

Frantom said he had the honor of being in his wedding in Baton Rouge with his bride Stephanie McKenzie.

“He loved her so much and was so excited to get married,” Frantom said, adding that McKenzie left this Earth too soon but doing what he loved.

“It will take a village to love and support your wife, son, and mom but we will be here for them,” Frantom wrote.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.