Man remembers friend who died in plane crash

POSEY CO., IN (WFIE) - One Tri-State man says his friend who died in a plane crash on Friday taught him how to live life to the fullest.

According to the coroner's office, 64-year-old Duane Daws of Mt. Vernon was the only person on board when his aircraft took a nosedive and crashed in a field off Gun Club Road.

The FAA and NTSB are still trying to figure out what caused the crash. Meanwhile, his loved ones are left mourning and remembering the good times they shared with Daws.

Duane Daws' friend, Neal Schroeder, says they met years ago and formed a strong bond. Neal says he learned a lot from his friend who put 110 percent into everything he did.

Now, he's dealing with losing Duane, who died doing what he loved.

"There's a litany of people out there today who are still, like me, in mourning."

The news that Neal Schroeder's good friend, Duane Daws, died in a crash hit him hard. Neal says they were partners in crime. They were so close that Duane was in his wedding years ago.

They flew planes together for 20 years. Neal says there was so much more to him than that.

"There wasn't anything he wasn't good at and didn't excel at 200%."

From parachuting, skydiving, snorkeling, and canoeing, Neal says Duane gave everything his all. On Friday, he drove by that crash not knowing his friend was involved.

Neal says Duane was a good pilot with 30 years of flying under his belt.

According to the coroner's office, Daws was the only person on board when the aircraft took a nosedive and crashed in a field off Gun Club Road.

Afterward, his loved ones posted online and shared their memories amid their shock.

Neal says what he'll remember most about his Daws is his ability to enjoy every single moment.

"There's nothing more noble than dying doing what you love. If he were to chose, how he wanted to exit this world, that would've been it. So, there's a lot of peace in that."

There is no word on when a memorial and a funeral will be held. We will keep you updated once we find out that information.

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