Illinois State University in Normal in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Redbird Remembrance
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
1. Redbird Remembrance Marker
Scott Bittner, Age 42, Owner of Eureka Locker Inc. Andy Butler, Age 40, Friend, Facilitator and Fan ISU Class of '96 Tom Hileman, Age 51, Pilot & Owner of Hileman Aviation Jason Jones, Age 45, CFP, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors Aaron Leetch, Age 37, ISU Deputy Director of Athletics Terry Stralow, Age 64, Owner of Pub II ISU Class of '74 Torrey Ward, Age 36, ISU Associate Head Coach Men's Basketball
Erected 2015 by Illinois State University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Disasters • Education • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is April 7, 2015.
Location. 40° 30.693′ N, 88° 59.912′ W. Marker is in Normal, Illinois, in McLean County. It is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William "Billy" Quigley Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Honoring Redbird Women's Athletics (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Hill School District No. 143 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eyestone School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Illinois State Normal (approx. 0.3 miles away); African Americans Settle in Normal (approx. 0.4 miles away); John F. Kennedy Memorial Clock
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
2. Redbird Remembrance Marker
The names of the seven victims are etched onto the wall in the rear.
Regarding Redbird Remembrance. Early in the morning of April 7, 2015, a twin-engine C414A Cessna Chancellor crashed in a farm field in McLean County, about three miles east of its destination, Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington. The seven men aboard the plane, all with ties to either ISU or Bloomington-Normal, died in the crash. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board concluded in 2017 that equipment failure coupled with pilot fatigue had contributed to the accident.
Also see . . . Extremely bittersweet: ISU, victims families mark 10-year anniversary of fatal plane crash.
Excerpt: In the years since the deaths of their loved ones, the families have worked to honor their memory through community service. The wives, fiancιes, and children of the crash victims created 'Project 7,' an effort encouraging people to perform seven random acts of kindness each April 7.(Submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
