Huntsville, October 23, 2025
News Summary
A vigil is set to take place at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville to honor Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie, who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in Montana. The event will include music, reflections, and community support, all represented by local leaders. A GoFundMe campaign has also been established to help the grieving family, which has raised over $160,000. The cause of the crash is being investigated by the NTSB and FAA.
Huntsville
A vigil will be held at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville on Wednesday evening, October 22, to honor Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie, who died in a plane crash in Montana. The Anderson family was involved in a twin-engine Piper Aztec aircraft that crashed in the Bob Marshall Wilderness last Friday.
Flight data reveals that the plane departed from Billings, Montana, flying towards Polson, and maintained an altitude above 12,000 feet before making a sudden turn and disappearing from radar around 4:15 p.m. Search teams located the wreckage on Saturday morning after receiving a report of the crashed aircraft. All three occupants—Mark, Lainey, and Ellie—were pronounced dead at the scene, and the family dog, Stella, was also on board.
Lainey Anderson was a graduate of Auburn University and worked as a flight instructor, while Ellie was a senior at Huntsville High School and part of the dance team. The vigil will include attendees wearing gold ribbons, music, prayer, and personal reflections, represented by District 4 City Council member Ryan Renaud. A GoFundMe page has raised over $160,000 for the Anderson family, and an online sign-up for volunteering for prayer shifts has been established.
The family expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating it brings them peace knowing their loved ones have gained eternal life. Mark Anderson was reported to have experienced engine trouble shortly before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash.
Huntsville High School canceled its Homecoming festivities out of respect for Ellie Anderson’s passing. The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB will lead the investigation to determine the crash’s cause. The immediate family members were not able to attend the vigil, which will feature performances from the Church of the Highlands Praise band and various speakers.
The aircraft was confirmed to have gone down after reports were received at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, initiating search operations that continued into the night.
FAQs
What event is taking place in Huntsville?
A vigil will be held at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville on Wednesday evening, October 22, to honor Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie, who died in a plane crash in Montana.
What happened to the Anderson family?
The Anderson family was involved in a twin-engine Piper Aztec aircraft that crashed in the Bob Marshall Wilderness last Friday. All three occupants—Mark, Lainey, and Ellie—were pronounced dead at the scene.
What has the community done to support the family?
A GoFundMe page has raised over $160,000 for the Anderson family, and an online sign-up for volunteering for prayer shifts has been established.
What will be featured at the vigil?
The vigil will include attendees wearing gold ribbons, music, prayer, and personal reflections, as well as performances from the Church of the Highlands Praise band.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Vigil for Mark Anderson and daughters |
| Date | October 22 |
| Crash Location | Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana |
| Aircraft | Twin-engine Piper Aztec |
| Community Support | GoFundMe raised $160,000 |
| Investigation | Conducted by NTSB and FAA |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Huntsville Family Killed in Montana Plane Crash
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Tragic Aircraft Crash Claims Lives of Huntsville Family
Huntsville Family Tragically Killed in Montana Plane Crash
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Community Remembering Anderson Family Following Fatal Plane Crash
- AL.com: Prayer Vigil Set for Huntsville Family Killed in Plane Crash
- WHNT: Vigil Planned for Huntsville Family Killed in Plane Crash
- Rocket City Now: Insight Into Plane Crash That Killed 3 from Huntsville
- Wikipedia: Aviation Accidents and Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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