In the aftermath of the tragic hot-air balloon crash in the expansive southern Arizona desert, 28-year-old Katie Bartrom lost her life
Hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana, the journey of Katie Bartrom through life was abruptly cut short, leaving behind a trail of memories that speak to her vibrant spirit and love for adventure.
Who is nurse Katie Bartrom who died in hot-air balloon crash in Arizona, obituary, bio, age, family and education
Katie Bartrom was a recent graduate from Ivy Tech Community College. She had recently achieved a significant milestone in her professional life by becoming a registered nurse in Fort Wayne. Her commitment to healthcare was a testament to her dedication and compassionate nature. However, beyond the halls of hospitals, Katie was recognized for her fervent love for skydiving and adventure sports.
The recent weekend found Katie Bartrom in Arizona, accompanied by friends eager to share in the exhilarating experience of skydiving. A glance at her Facebook account reveals her connection to Ivy Tech Community College, and her mother, Jennifer Hubartt, disclosed to ABC15 that Katie had embarked on the journey to Arizona to partake in the thrill of skydiving with her close companions.
Tragedy struck when the hot-air balloon, identified as an A-160 passenger balloon manufactured by Cameron Balloons, crashed in the desert east of Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road in Eloy, a city about 65 miles south of Phoenix. The balloon including Katie, was en route to the Eloy Municipal Airport, a renowned skydiving center. Despite her intention to leap from the balloon, Katie met her untimely end in the crash.
Jennifer Hubartt, Katie’s grieving mother, expressed that her daughter may not have had the chance to make the anticipated jump, but she departed doing what she loved. Katie’s zest for life and adventure left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her, intensifying the sense of loss experienced by her family and friends.
Age 28 Katie leaves behind a mourning family, including her mother and stepfather, as well as a twin sister and younger brother and sister. The impact of her sudden departure resonates deeply within her community, with friends turning to social media to pay homage to the late nurse.
Arizona hot air balloon crash: First victim Katie Bartrom is pictured after four were killed in horrific incident
Katie Bartrom, originally from Indiana, was named by her family
The 28-year-old was one of four killed in the accident, which left a fifth person seriously injured… pic.twitter.com/M2vsU1r8bO— News News News (@NewsNew97351204) January 15, 2024
Tributes to Katie Bartrom
Close friend Melissa conveyed her sentiments on Facebook, stating, “Such a beautiful, kind, and funny soul.
Another friend, Stephanie Blitz, expressed her grief in a poignant post, saying, “Heaven has gained another beautiful Angel Katie Bartrom girl where do I begin? . . . Thank you for being my friend. I will miss you; rest easy.”
Eloy Mayor Micah Powell also extended condolences, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the close-knit skydiving community.
As the National Transportation Safety Board diligently investigates the hot-air balloon crash, the names and ages of the other victims remain undisclosed.
Four people were killed in a hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona. One person is still fighting for their life.
13 people were on board, 8 skydivers exited before the crash.
Katie Bartrom and pilot, Cornelius van der Walt were killed.
Full report: https://t.co/RDaQUA9oZI pic.twitter.com/FsBzxpy4V9
— Christine Stanwood (@stanwoodreports) January 15, 2024