Sad News: Daughter of Super Bowl Champion Bruce Collie Dies in Devastating Plane Crash at Wisconsin Airshow
Oshkosh, Wisconsin – In a heartbreaking tragedy that has rocked the sports and aviation communities, Devyn Reiley, the 30-year-old daughter of two-time Super Bowl champion Bruce Collie, died in a plane crash during the EAA AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The accident occurred on the morning of Saturday, July 29, when the World War II-era aircraft she was piloting spiraled out of control and plummeted into Lake Winnebago, killing her and her co-pilot, Zach Colliemoreno, age 20.
Reiley, a licensed pilot and aviation enthusiast, was taking part in the annual airshow that draws hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the globe. The plane, a North American T-6 Texan, lost control shortly after takeoff around 9 a.m., according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Witnesses described seeing the aircraft suddenly begin spinning before crashing nose-first into the lake.
“I thought it was part of the show at first,” said one onlooker. “Then I realized something was wrong when the plane didn’t come back up.”
Rescue efforts began immediately after the crash. The U.S. Coast Guard responded quickly and recovered the bodies of Reiley and Colliemoreno from the wreckage later that day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NTSB have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that mechanical failure or sudden weather changes could have played a role, but officials have yet to confirm any definitive conclusions.
A Family Shattered by Tragedy
Devyn Reiley was the eldest of 13 children of former NFL offensive lineman Bruce Collie, who played for both the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles. Collie won two Super Bowl titles (XXIII and XXIV) during his tenure with the 49ers in the late 1980s and early 1990s before retiring from football and settling with his family in Texas.
Reiley was described by those close to her as a vibrant, passionate young woman, deeply committed to aviation. She was married to Hunter Reiley, a fellow pilot and aviation enthusiast. The two co-founded the Texas Warbird Museum in New Braunfels, Texas, and shared a mutual love for preserving and flying vintage aircraft. According to friends and family, the couple was inseparable and often seen flying together or attending airshows nationwide.
“She died doing what she loved,” said Bruce Collie in a tearful statement. “Devyn had a fearless spirit, just like her mom. Our family is broken, but we find peace in knowing she was living her dream.”
Her sister Calyn Reiley also posted a heartfelt tribute online, writing, “Devyn wasn’t just my sister. She was my best friend. Her laugh, her joy, her passion for life—it was all so infectious. She and Hunter were soulmates. They were still like newlyweds.”
The Aviation World Mourns
The loss of Devyn Reiley has sent shockwaves through the aerospace and aviation communities. As a pioneering young woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Reiley served as a role model for many aspiring female pilots. She often spoke at youth aviation camps and events, encouraging young girls to chase their dreams in the sky.
“This is a tragic loss,” said Karen Hayes, director of Women in Aviation International. “Devyn was one of our brightest lights. She had such a deep respect for aviation history and a commitment to passing that legacy on.”
Fellow pilots also took to social media to honor Reiley, many posting tributes featuring the T-6 Texan and the vintage warbirds she loved flying. A candlelight vigil is being planned at the Texas Warbird Museum, where many members of the aviation community plan to gather in her memory.
Moving Forward
As investigators continue to probe the cause of the crash, the Collie family has requested privacy during this time of unimaginable grief. A public memorial service will be held next week in New Braunfels, with thousands expected to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Texas Warbird Museum to support aviation education for youth.
“We’re devastated,” said one museum volunteer. “But we’ll keep her mission alive. That’s what Devyn would’ve wanted.”
Bruce Collie, once a protector of quarterbacks on the gridiron, now faces the toughest challenge of his life—coping with the loss of a daughter who soared high and lived life with boldness and joy. Her story is one of passion, purpose, and flight, and it will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
🕊️ Rest in peace, Devyn Reiley. May your wings carry you ever higher.
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