Top Gun Stunt Pilot Settles Lawsuit Over Woman's Death at Beach Party

Tanya Hendry, 34, died in an ATV crash at a drug-fueled, Burning Man-style event hosted by pilot Jonathan Spano.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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A former 'Top Gun: Maverick' stunt pilot has settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the family of Tanya Hendry, a 34-year-old woman who died after plunging off a cliff in an ATV at his drug-fueled beach festival in 2020. Hendry got stuck in the ATV as it drove off a cliff near Harmony Headlands State Park in San Luis Obispo County, California, while Spano, the driver Maria Arayza-Alvarez, and another passenger survived. Hendry's family accused Spano of neglecting 'to take precautions at his cliffside property' and having a history of hosting parties with drug use. Spano reached a settlement agreement with Hendry's family in February 2026, though the details have not been released.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks and consequences of hosting unsanctioned, reckless events with drug use, especially in dangerous natural settings. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of event organizers and equipment providers to ensure public safety. The case underscores the need for stronger regulations and oversight around private parties and the use of ATVs and other recreational vehicles.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Tanya Hendry was on an ATV when it drove off a cliff near Harmony Headlands State Park in San Luis Obispo County, California, in December 2020. Hendry got stuck in the Can-Am all-terrain vehicle, while party host Jonathan Spano, the driver Maria Arayza-Alvarez, and another passenger survived. Hendry's family said she 'died a horrific and excruciating death by drowning.' Spano, a former 'Top Gun: Maverick' stunt pilot, hosted the festival on the remote beach because he was frustrated that Burning Man had been canceled during the pandemic. Hendry's family accused Spano of neglecting 'to take precautions at his cliffside property,' and that he had a history of hosting parties with drug use. The Hendry family attorneys also said Spano and the ATV lessor, Khaled Azar, 'actively encouraged, aided and abetted' the drunk driver who went off the cliff. Arayza-Alvarez pleaded guilty to manslaughter and spent several months in prison.

  • In December 2020, Tanya Hendry died in the ATV crash at Spano's beach party.
  • In 2022, the year 'Top Gun: Maverick' was released, Hendry's family sued Spano over her death.
  • On February 17, 2026, Spano reached a settlement agreement with Hendry's family.

The players

Jonathan Spano

A former 'Top Gun: Maverick' stunt pilot who hosted the drug-fueled beach festival where Tanya Hendry died.

Tanya Hendry

A 34-year-old woman who died after the ATV she was riding in plunged off a cliff at Spano's beach party.

Maria Arayza-Alvarez

The driver of the ATV that went off the cliff, killing Tanya Hendry. Arayza-Alvarez pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Khaled Azar

The lessor of the ATV involved in the fatal crash, who the Hendry family attorneys said 'actively encouraged, aided and abetted' the drunk driver.

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What they’re saying

“My passion is for aviation and flying.”

— Jonathan Spano (Rotortrade interview)

What’s next

The exact details of the settlement agreement between Spano and the Hendry family have not been released.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater oversight and safety precautions at private events, especially those involving the use of dangerous recreational vehicles in remote, hazardous locations. It also highlights the risks of hosting drug-fueled parties and the legal liabilities event organizers can face when their actions lead to loss of life.