(CALDWELL COUNTY, TX.) Five of the victims who were in the hot air balloon that crashed in a field west of Lockhart Saturday morning have been identified by family members and family friends.Alfred “Skip Nichols,” Pilot
The pilot, Alfred “Skip” Nichols, died with 15 others when the balloon crashed next to power transmission lines off of State Highway 142. Officials have not confirmed whether or not the lines were a factor in the crash.
CNN confirmed the pilot’s identity after speaking with Alan Lirette, the ground crew supervisor who was working with Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides.
Lirette said he helped load the other 15 passengers into the basket of the hot air balloon, called the “gondola.” Lirette called Nichols his “best friend, boss and roommate,” in an interview at his home in Kyle. “[Nichols] was a great pilot,” he said.Paige Brabson and Lorilee Brabson
Paige and her mother, Lorilee, were on the balloon that crashed, family confirmed Sunday. Paige had her first child a few months ago and the trip was a Mother’s Day gift from Paige to her mom.
A family member asked people to pray for his family. The mother and daughter are from San Antonio.Sunday and Matt Rowan
Sunday and Matt Rowan were originally from Springfield, Mo. but most recently called San Antonio home. The two married in the past year. Matt was a professor and burn treatment researcher. Sunday had a 5-year-old son.
The two posted on social media pictures of them prior to getting into the hot air balloon.
