Funeral Services for Augusta Pilot Killed in Crash Announced

Funeral services for the Augusta pilot killed last week in a tragic plane crash in the Summerville area have been announced.

Authorities say 45-year-old Jason McKenzie, associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University, had just left Daniel Field in a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 headed for New Haven, Connecticut, when the plane crashed in a residential area at Hillcrest Avenue and Bellmont Street.

The plane burst into flames. McKenzie died at the scene of the crash. No one else in the area was injured.

McKenzie was credited by first responders and Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden for not involving another structure.

The crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

McKenzie leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, and their young son, Patrick.

McKenzie was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana but moved to Augusta with his family when he was just 2. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1998. He played college golf at Wallace Community College for 2 years, then was recruited to Mississippi State for his last 2 years of college.

McKenzie's first job out of college was in Radio and TV sales in Baton Rouge.

McKenzie and his family moved back to Augusta in 2017. He had worked for Augusta University since 2020.