Families honor plane crash victims with kindness initiative

Marian Kneer Stadium | Illinois State University Athletics

By McLean County Times

Apr 7, 2025

Each year on April 7, Illinois State Athletics remembers the seven men who died in a plane crash on this day in 2015. The crash claimed the lives of Illinois State associate men's basketball coach Torrey Ward, ISU Deputy Director of Athletics Aaron Leetch, Pub II owner Terry Stralow, investment officer Jason Jones, Sprint representative Andy Butler, business owner Scott Bittner, and pilot Tom Hileman. They were well-regarded for their love of family, ISU athletics, and their community involvement.

In their memory, the families of the deceased founded Project 7. This initiative encourages individuals to perform seven random acts of kindness every April 7. More information about this initiative is available on its Facebook page.

Details about Torrey, Aaron, Terry, Jason, Andy, Scott, and Tom can be accessed through the Redbird Remembrance website at Remembrance.GoRedbirds.com.

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