45-Year-Old Man Dies After Small Plane Crashes in Florida National Park

The pilot was hospitalized with serious injuries after the plane flipped and became partially submerged in water.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 45-year-old man has died after a small plane he was a passenger on crashed into a body of water in Everglades City, Florida. The plane 'flipped over' before becoming 'partially submerged in water,' according to authorities. The pilot, a 65-year-old man, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The victim has been identified as Ryan Cody, the business manager at St. Finbarr Catholic Church in Naples, Florida, as well as a volunteer with the church's youth program.

Why it matters

Small plane crashes are relatively rare but can have devastating consequences, especially when they occur in remote areas like national parks. This incident raises questions about air safety regulations, emergency response capabilities in wilderness areas, and the impact on local communities when a tragedy like this occurs.

The details

According to the incident report, the plane crashed just after 12:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, February 15. Bystanders attempted to reach the plane to check for survivors before authorities arrived. When a responding officer got to the scene, he found the private fishing vessel tied to the inverted seaplane, with a bystander holding the passenger, Ryan Cody. Life-saving measures were attempted but Cody did not survive. The pilot, William Goodrich, was hospitalized with serious injuries.

  • The plane crashed just after 12:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, February 15.
  • A vigil for Ryan Cody was held at Saint Finnbarr Catholic Church in Naples on Thursday, February 19.

The players

Ryan Cody

A 45-year-old man who was the business manager at St. Finbarr Catholic Church in Naples, Florida, as well as a volunteer with the church's youth program.

William Goodrich

The 65-year-old pilot of the 1981 Cessna A185F plane, who was hospitalized with serious injuries after the crash.

St. Finbarr Catholic Church

The church in Naples, Florida where Ryan Cody worked as the business manager and volunteered with the youth program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wish that more people were like Ryan. He's a real example for the world.”

— Colleen Grady, Director of religious education at St. Finbarr Catholic Church (WFTX)

“He said, 'I don't know if God wants me now, or I have to wait a long time,' And I jokingly said, Ryan, you're too young. You're going to be here for a long time.”

— Colleen Grady, Director of religious education at St. Finbarr Catholic Church (WFTX)

What’s next

The FAA and local authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the plane crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks and unpredictability of small plane travel, even in scenic natural areas. It also underscores the importance of air safety regulations, emergency response capabilities, and the profound impact these events can have on close-knit local communities.