In Memoriam: Passing of AOA President-elect Thacker’s son

AOA leadership is extremely saddened to report the tragic passing of Blake Thacker, the son of AOA President-elect Richard Thacker, DO, and wife Sherry Thacker. Blake perished in the Missouri skydiving plane accident on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Blake was among the 12 who perished in the accident, including 11 skydivers and the pilot, when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff.

We recognize that many families are grieving the loss of loved ones in this tragic accident; the proximity of the loss to the osteopathic community is particularly heart-wrenching.

We ask that you keep the Thacker family in your thoughts as they grieve the loss of their beloved son.

The Tallahassee, Florida, community recently shared a beautiful tribute honoring Blake’s life and legacy, including moving reflections from Dr. Thacker. Read the full story and learn more about Blake via the WCTV news website.

Obituary & celebration of life

Blake Randall Thacker, age 25, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026. He was among the twelve individuals who lost their lives in the aviation accident at Sky Dive Kansas City in Butler, Missouri.

Born on Dec. 28, 2000, in Tallahassee, Florida, Blake was the beloved son of Richard Thacker, DO, and wife Sherry Thacker. Growing up in Tallahassee, he attended Roberts Elementary School, Montford Middle School and Lawton Chiles High School. During his time at Chiles, Blake was an active member of the National Honor Society and graduated in 2019 as a National Merit Scholar. He was deeply involved in the school music program and marching band, where he was a talented and dedicated member and leader of the drumline.

Blake went on to attend the University of Florida as a National Merit Scholar, where he earned two bachelor degrees, one in computer science and the other in philosophy, as well as a master’s degree with honors distinction in computer science engineering. He was a member of the Marching Gator Drumline, an ambassador for the UF college of engineering and a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society. While in college, Blake had the opportunity to work with NASA as lead intern, contributing to work associated with the Artemis II mission. Following graduation, he began his career as an aviation software engineer at Garmin in Olathe, Kansas.

Those who knew Blake remember him as intelligent, funny, kind-hearted and deeply caring. He had a passion for protecting the environment and loved spending time outdoors, especially hiking.

One of Blake’s greatest passions was skydiving. He had over 300 jumps and had earned a United States Parachute Association (USPA) Level C License. Additionally, he was working on his coach certification. Skydiving gave him courage, confidence and a profound sense of purpose. He often spoke about the joy it brought him and encouraged others who were interested to experience it for themselves. Among his most cherished memories were two skydives he shared with his mother, Sherry.

Blake is survived by his parents, Richard and Sherry Thacker, his younger sister, Allison Thacker, a host of close family and friends, and his beloved cat, Sasha.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either of the following charities in Blake’s honor: the United States Parachute Association U.S. Skydiving Safety Foundation or the Leon County Humane Society.

Condolences may be shared with the Thacker family on Blake’s tribute wall.

Details for a celebration of life honoring Blake are as follows:

Friday, July 3, 2026
11 a.m. ET
East Hill Baptist Church
912 Miccosukee Rd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Family visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by services at 11 a.m (ET). There will be livestream of the services via East Hill Baptist Church’s Facebook page. Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with service arrangements.