PALATKA, Fla. – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of veteran pilot and skydiver Thomas “Tommy” Harvey.
The 75-year-old Jacksonville resident was the sole occupant of the aircraft when it went down near the Flagler-Volusia County line.
Harvey was a beloved member of the skydiving community. His close friend Art Shaffer, owner of Skydive Palatka, reflected on their nearly four decades-long friendship, recalling Harvey’s infectious humor and adventurous spirit.
A Lifetime of Skydiving and Service
Shaffer said Harvey had been involved in skydiving since 1973, completing about 1,800 jumps over the years.
“He always was telling a joke,” Shaffer said. “In his second life, he’d probably come back as a stand-up comedian.”
Before dedicating himself to skydiving, Shaffer said Harvey served in the Air Force and later joined the Air National Guard in Jacksonville.
On Friday, Harvey was piloting a small plane for skydivers when something went wrong. Shaffer and a colleague had been tracking the flight online when they realized the plane was in trouble.
“It was one of those nights,” Shaffer said. “you didn’t ever think it would be Tommy passing that way.”
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the NTSB, which expects to release preliminary findings within a month. A final report on the cause of the crash may take up to two years.
A Legacy That Lives On
Shaffer, still grappling with the loss, said returning to the skies and continuing the sport Harvey loved has been a source of comfort.
“We’re getting past it, but it’s going to be hard,” he admitted. “We miss you, Tommy.”
