October 21, 2009
For Immediate Release

University Marketing & Communications: Chris Taylor, (801) 472-8588

In the wake of the tragic and fatal airplane accident at Provo Airport earlier today, the identity of the pilot involved in the crash has been positively identified, and Utah Valley University has learned that the man was a UVU student and part-time employee. Benjamin Hill, age 32, was a student in UVU’s aviation science administrative program. He was also an adjunct instructor within the program. Hill leaves behind a wife and two children. Those associated with UVU’s aviation science program are taking the news very hard.

“The aviation community is a very close-knit group, and this tragic accident has sent shock-waves, not only throughout the program, but throughout the entire university,” said Ernie Carey, dean of the College of Technology and Computing at UVU. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ben’s wife and family.”

Hill was most recently a student in the program’s online aviation administration track. (The UVU aviation science baccalaureate program has two tracks: professional pilot and aviation administration.) He received his commercial pilot rating from UVU in spring 2006. He has been employed at UVU for approximately two years as a certified flight instructor (a certification he received at UVU in spring 2007).

Hill was not flying a UVU aircraft, nor was he flying in a UVU capacity, at the time of the accident. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. No passengers were reportedly on board at the time of the accident.

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