John Denver Plane Crash Explained! #johndenver #johndenverplanecrash

Well done. This is one of the most researched and informative short documentaries that I have seen. I am the mechanic that was the last person to see John Denver alive. As you can imagine, this was a horrible tragedy and has had a huge impact on my life, much more than I can convey in a comment. One thing I will point out is you answered a question that I’ve had for 25 years, and that was the labeling of the fuel selector valve, before it was painted at the shop in Santa Maria. John and I spoke at great lengths as to what position was what, regarding the fuel selector. All of the labels near the switches, circuit breakers, fuel selector and fuel gauges were gone, when John and I talked. The aircraft had been parked in the maintenance hangar where I worked over the weekend, I happened to be out on that Sunday, doing my IPC with my flight instructor when John asked to retrieve his airplane. Being the only person on site on a Sunday, with keys to the maintenance hangar, I offered to help him get his airplane. He had always been very friendly before when I encountered him flying his Christian Eagle (located in a separate private hangar), so I was happy to help him out. We talked about the modifications that he intended to do for about 45 minutes. I loaned him a fuel sump cup and a 2” Mac Tools inspection mirror. I also provided him with three options of pliers during the discussion of extending the fuel selector handle, so he might be able to reach the handle better. The plier fix was a terrible idea and I did not like the idea of him using pliers to extend the reach, because it increased the force applied to the mechanism. Anyway. So much, much more to the story. Out of respect for John, I only spoke to investigators for about twenty years. I finally gave two interviews when the 20 year anniversary was coming up. John had offered for me to go with him that day, and I declined. The “survivors guilt” was very difficult to come to terms with, but I have learned immensely from the whole experience. May John Rest In Peace.

I will never forget that Sunday in October. I was a young Paramedic working with Pennisula Paramedics and responded to this accident. It was a beautiful crisp late afternoon and we were just finishing another call at CHOMP, Community Hospital Monterey Pennisula when we were dispatched to a reported plane crash in the waters off Pacific Grove. We responded and were at the accident site within 8 minutes. When we arrived on scene, Monterey and P.G. fire were on scene along with police. You could see some of the wreckage floating on the surface about 25 yards off shore. We had no idea at the time who the pilot was. Several fire personnel, my partner and a local boat owner went out to the accident site to look for survivors. I stayed on the shore to ready the resuscitation equipment and the gurney for a quick transport if needed. Unfortunately, the pilot was deceased. They brought him a shore and we placed Mr. Denver on the gurney and put him inside the ambulance to await the coroner. By now there was a huge crowd that had formed on the beach beyond the police barriers and the press arrived. We then got word of who was in our ambulance and I couldnt believe it. My parents were fans of John Denvers music and I grew up listening to his music. Little did I know then that many years later I would obtain my private pilots license and turn my love of aviation into a passion. There was nothing we could do for Mr. Denver that day and I remember a feeling of helplessness as we stood around waiting for the coroner and Sheriffs Investigators. I saw this post and all of those feelings came rushing back. I will always remember that day and how we all tried to do what we could for him but it was not to be. R.I.P. John Denver. Blue Skies forever!

I'm almost 60. I loved John as a kid. Thank you.

I moved to Aspen in 1994 because of John and his music. I met him in town a few times and spoke only briefly. I actually attended his last concert in Aspen in the late summer of 1997. That October, a number of my friends and I went fishing in Brazil at a time before good cell service. When I landed in Miami after the trip and checked my cell for messages, I had dozens about the crash. Over time I became friends with Annie. Our ski lockers were next to each other and also became friends with JD manager Hal Thau. We were fortunate to sponsor John's memorial concerts every October on the anniversary of his death for 10 years with many of his former band mates and even joined Hal in helping bring John's music to a Broadway play. It was a terrible emotional loss for me. John's music moved me and still does today:(

John’s death was an absolute tragedy. His music was special and his soul was angelic.

John Denver was a huge part of my life growing up. My mom was a super fan and his music was playing in our house literally all waking hours. In the car, in our camper when camping, in our house, and while swimming in the backyard pool with speakers propped up so the entire neighborhood could enjoy, the air was filled with John Denver. In the early 80s my family lived in a house at the foot of the hill where the Concord Pavilion sat. Mom worked part time as an usher/ticket taker at the Concord Pavilion, and to her great joy John Denver came to play some shows. My Mom went to see him one night and then worked the show the next night (not sure which, actually, it’s been a few decades.) The day of his first show I was standing outside with my neighbors just chatting and hanging out, right below the hills covered in cows. Someone pointed to a slim tanned man with blonde hair wearing running shorts and no shirt jogging down the dirt road that ran down the hill. We all watched as his hair flopped as he ran. It wasn’t a usual site to see someone coming down that hill. As he came closer we all watched in shock as his features came into clear view. It was only when he passed that one of us gasped and yelled “IT’S JOHN DENVER!” He waved, smiled, and kept on running past us and down our suburban street into the distance. My Mom was heartbroken to hear that John Denver jogged past her house and she didn’t get to see it. But she did get to meet him as she had somehow finagled her way into going back stage to deliver him some food and beverages. She got to kiss him on the cheek and he was very kind and gracious to her. I always think about him and his sad passing when I visit Pacific Grove. My husband and I stay at a hotel right at Lovers Point that overlooks where his plane supposedly went down. My Mom passed this year and everyone who knew her mentioned John Denver songs in their memories of her. Take me home country roads.

I was working the front desk at The Marc Plaza in Milwaukee WI in 1979 or so when John Denver and band stayed. They called for extra towels and I offered to take them up. Well who should open the door but Denver himself! I was shocked as I thought they had left. He offered me a pair of tickets if I could get someone to work for me. At the time I was more into Led Zeppelin but I did organize my job and a good friend picked me up and we went. Front row seats in a great acoustic theatre with a rotating stage, I was in heaven. Bless you John Denver. Keep flying free 💕💐

He died doing something he loved to do and I remember that day very well. It was a somber day, especially being such a fan of his music and acting. May he rest in peace.

My Uncle knew John Denver well, they were next door neighbors in Aspen. He said he was a very nice guy, very humble and down to earth despite his fame.

In 25 years this is this first explanation I've ever heard about Denver's death. Thanks!

In 1969, my new husband and I went to hear a folk singer perform in the cafeteria at Alma College, Alma, MI. It was John Denver, and we liked him and his music so much we came back to hear him again the next day. Many LPs later, we were still enjoying his music. I remember the day of the crash. So much talent, too little time.

John Denver has always been my favorite folk singer. I loved everything he sang. He had a voice that just pulled at my heart. I miss him but his songs live on.

He lived how he wanted. If you haven't had a misstep in your life you're probably not doing alot of living. Rest easy John Denver

John Denver flew directly over us on the freeway as we heard the sputter of the plane - it was clearly recognizable as I even pointed out to my wife " look it is one of those experimental planes" and when we reached home we heard that he crashed. So unfortunate and weird to know that was mere seconds before we lost this music legend.

What a wonderful delivery of this story, it was a horrible event but you said it with such kindness and respect while laying it all out. He was an amazingly talented man and although he’s gone we can listen to the beauty of his voice and music and for those moments he’s still here and smiling. So rest in peace John Denver you’ll always be remembered admirably.

When I was in high school around 1973 my art teacher put John Denver’s music on every day while we worked on art projects. I loved his music and still do.

Thank you for telling John Denver’s story in a way that a person who doesn’t know planes can understand what happened. I grew up in a little Colorado town an hour from Aspen. We would go to his free concert on the mountain. It was awesome! When I was 10ish we were walking back to our car after the concert and John Denver drives up in a jeep. He stopped and said, “Hello beautiful!” My little 10 year old heart melted! He gave us music and autographed something for me. I still have the pictures my Dad took of him. He was a great singer and did wonderful things for our community. He is still missed.

He was ridiculed for being the nerdy country singer, but he had one of the greatest voices of our time! RIP, John...you were too good for this rock...

John Denvers' music and soul will live forever in our hearts. He was put on this earth to impact people's lives with his songs! Rest in peace John Denver, and thankyou for the memories.

Well done episode. Denver’s death indeed tragic and unfortunate. Seemed like a nice person. In Atlanta, GA in the mid 70’s, saw his concert at the Omni. My Mom is a nurse and had a part time gig in the arena first aid station. After his show I was able to go backstage. There, standing alone was John Denver. As I approached him he extended his right hand and said, “Hi I’m John Denver.” Still resonates how humble he was, even posing for a Polaroid photo. Rest in Power John!