Huntsville, Alabama, October 22, 2025
News Summary
A prayer vigil is planned for Mark Anderson and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie, who perished in a plane crash in Montana. The Huntsville community gathers to honor their memory amidst an ongoing investigation into the incident. The family expresses gratitude for the support received during this difficult time.
Huntsville, Alabama – A prayer vigil is scheduled for Mark Anderson and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie, who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in Montana on Friday, October 17. The vigil will take place on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium, where community members are invited to gather to honor the lost family.
The devastating crash occurred near the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana. Mark Anderson, a seasoned real estate agent in Huntsville, was known for his dedication to his profession and his family. His daughters also had promising futures; Lainey, a graduate of Auburn University, served as a flight instructor at Sanders Aviation in Jasper, Alabama. Ellie was a senior at Huntsville High School and an active member of the school’s dance team. Both daughters, along with the family’s dog, Stella, were aboard the ill-fated flight.
Misty Anderson, Mark’s wife and the girls’ mother, was not on board the flight at the time of the crash. Following the tragedy, the family released a statement expressing their gratitude to the community for the outpouring of love and support, taking comfort in the sentiment that “heaven gained three beautiful angels.”
Before the plane lost signal, Mark Anderson, an experienced pilot, reported engine trouble. The aircraft dropped off radar, which led to search efforts that culminated in the discovery of the wreckage on Saturday morning, with first responders later confirming that there were no survivors. The crash was reported around 4:30 p.m. MDT on Friday, though the search and rescue mission faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The last known position of the aircraft was determined to be in a remote area of Montana, and volunteer aircraft assisted in locating the site using a weak emergency locator transmitter signal.
In light of the tragedy, Huntsville High School has canceled its Homecoming activities this week and is offering counseling services for both students and staff to cope with the loss. Local community members, organizations such as Monte Sano Baptist Church and Sanders Aviation, have come forward to express condolences and pay tribute to the victims.
Lainey Anderson was remembered as an exceptional aviator, highly regarded both by her family and her flight school peers. The community stands united in mourning the loss of Mark, Lainey, and Ellie, as the investigation continues, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
FAQ
What is the date and time of the prayer vigil for the Anderson family?
The vigil is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Where will the prayer vigil be held?
The vigil will take place at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama.
Who were the victims of the plane crash?
The victims were Mark Anderson and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie.
What was the cause of the plane crash?
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the NTSB and the FAA, but it was reported that Mark Anderson experienced engine trouble shortly before losing signal.
Was anyone on board the plane besides the Anderson family?
Yes, the family’s dog, Stella, was also aboard the plane at the time of the crash.
How is the community responding to the tragedy?
The community has responded with support, and Huntsville High School has provided counseling for students and staff while canceling Homecoming activities this week.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Crash | October 17, 2023 |
| Location of Crash | Near Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana |
| Victims | Mark Anderson, Lainey Anderson, Ellie Anderson, and family dog Stella |
| Investigation | NTSB and FAA are investigating |
| Vigil Date | October 22, 2023 |
| Community Response | Support and counseling provided, Homecoming canceled |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Family Killed in Montana Plane Crash
Tragic Plane Crash in Montana Claims Lives of Huntsville Family
Tragic Aircraft Crash Claims Lives of Huntsville Family
Huntsville Family Tragically Killed in Montana Plane Crash
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Anderson Family
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Alabama Family in Montana Wilderness
Severe Weather Prompts Governor’s Emergency Measures Across Texas
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Crews Searching for Huntsville Pilot Family
- Wikipedia: Plane Crash
- AL.com: Prayer Vigil for Huntsville Family
- Google Search: Huntsville plane crash
- ABC 33/40: Montana Plane Crash Claims Lives
- Google Scholar: Aviation Safety
- WAAY TV: Family Releases Statement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation Accidents
- WHNT: Vigil Planned for Huntsville Family
- Google News: Huntsville plane crash
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
