Family and friends are mourning the tragic death of Chase Riley Day, a 25-year-old aspiring commercial pilot who was killed in an airplane crash on August 7, 2026, while pursuing the career he had recently chosen as his future.
According to his family, Chase was born on April 3, 2001, and grew up surrounded by his parents, three brothers, extended family and close friends. His loved ones remember him as energetic, determined, competitive and deeply devoted to the people around him.
His family described his childhood as one filled with adventure and countless memories. As one of four brothers, Chase embraced competition from an early age, enjoying football, basketball and games with his siblings. He was known for bringing enthusiasm to everything he did, while also possessing a quieter, creative side. He learned to play the guitar and often spent time playing songs for those around him.
Chase graduated from Herriman High School and Seminary in 2019. After graduation, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vancouver, Washington, from 2019 to 2021.
His family said the mission became an especially meaningful chapter of his life. He loved teaching others about his faith and developed relationships that remained important to him long after his service ended.
After returning home, Chase explored several professional paths. He worked as a certified pharmacy technician before moving into finance, where he worked for Fidelity from 2022 through 2026. At the same time, he pursued a finance degree as a part-time student and became knowledgeable about investing, budgeting and financial planning.
His family said Chase was ambitious and independent, achieving several important personal goals at a young age. He purchased his first home, established a career and bought a car he had dreamed of owning.
But Chase continued to look toward the future.
In January 2026, he left his corporate position to pursue flight training and begin working toward becoming a commercial pilot. His family said he believed he had found a career that genuinely suited him and approached his training with optimism, determination and a strong sense of purpose. That dream was tragically cut short on August 7.
Chase was killed in the airplane crash while pursuing the profession he had only recently committed himself to. His family expressed gratitude to the first responders who worked to recover his body and extended their prayers and support to his flight instructor, who was seriously injured in the accident.
For those who knew Chase, however, his life cannot be defined by the crash. His family remembers a young man who had plans for the future and who looked forward to marriage and having children of his own. They said he dreamed of building a family and creating a life filled with purpose and service.
Faith was also an important part of Chase’s life. In January 2025, he was called to serve as a counselor in the bishopric of his young single adult ward under Bishop Dave Morgan. Despite his work and school responsibilities, his family said he made serving others a priority.
Those who knew him through his church community remembered his ability to make people feel seen, valued and welcome. His relationships with members of his ward became an important part of his life.
Chase is survived by his parents, Mike and Sonia; his brothers, Braden, Parker and Max, along with their spouses; his nieces and nephews; his grandparents Diane and Lynn Bunker, Paul Harrison and Larry Day; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pat Harrison.
The loss has left his family facing an enormous absence. His loved ones are now holding onto the memories of his childhood, his faith, his music, his competitive spirit, his ambitions and the many moments they shared with him.
Chase Riley Day’s life was tragically brief, but his family says the gratitude they feel for having known and loved him remains alongside the grief.
He will be profoundly missed by everyone whose life he touched.
