Reader comments
Deaths of 10 stun Cedar City
88 comments | Read story
Boyd | 10:38 a.m. Aug. 23, 2008
My sister works at Dr. Ellsworth's office. This is an unbelievable tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers go to all the families.
SUU Student | 11:46 a.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Mandy Johnson was a wonderful person and friend. She will be missed by many
people here in Cedar City. My prayers go out to all the families of the victims.
Comments continue below
Sharon | 12:20 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Cecilee was a terrific person, very knowledgable, and a sweet personality. We
will miss her greatly.
Blessings to her family. Sharon
Blessings to her family. Sharon
SUUSA | 12:42 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of those
involved in this tragedy. Having known Dallon and Mandy personally this is so
hard and I can't even imagine what their families are going through. They
will be missed.
jill | 1:20 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
I would imagine that just about everyone in Cedar city will have some
acquaintance or connection to someone killed in this sad, sad situation. My
condolences to the families and all of Cedar city.
Sandy N. | 1:27 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Hope all will lay in peace with the Lord.
Chris L. | 2:10 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
I knew Lansing Ellsworth, a great man. He served as an elders quorum president
and later as my bishop in an LDS Ward in Tucson, AZ, shortly after I married.
He was a mentor and great leader and I often look back on my interactions with
him and learn from them.
Our prayers go out to him and his wife and children and other loved ones.
Our prayers go out to him and his wife and children and other loved ones.
Grieving in Cedar City | 2:19 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Yes, it is probably true that most of Cedar City will be touched in some way by
this tragedy. The loss of friends Lansing and Dave (and their son and daughter,
respectively) has certainly touched me. My heart goes out to the Ellsworth and
Goddard families, as well as to the families of the other six victims of this
horrible accident.
Julie S. | 2:32 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Keith Shumway was the best husband you could imagine to my baby sister and an
amazing dad to his 3 mo. old son. We are aching terribly as a family and are so
grateful for your kind words and many prayers said in our behalf.
Rita S. | 2:49 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
May you be consoled in your grief and may all family members of those who died
eventually find comfort and peace in quiet moments. We lost our dear son 10
months ago, and my heart truly goes out to all of you.
Joan | 2:51 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
I am so sorry for the loss of these talented people. Dr. Ellsworth was my
dermatologist in Richfield. He served so many communities, from Cedar City, to
Richfield, to Wayne County, to the Moab area. How will he and his co-workers
ever be replaced? Such a sad day for all the families, and for southern Utah.
My heartfelt condolences to all.
Friend in Hurricane | 3:02 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
There are many of us here in Hurricane who will truly miss our sweet Mandy
Johnson. We will always love her and remember her always. My thoughts and
prayers go out to her sweet family.
Anonymous | 3:03 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
My prayers are of course with the family of ALL of the victims. But especially
to Dallin's wife Kamber (whom I grew up with as a child and into adulthood)
who is 8+ months pregnant with their first child. May the spirit bring comfort
to all those morning this tragedy.
From Seattle | 4:10 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Stefani E. | 4:37 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
This spring my son Aaron was at a slumber party and got broadsided by a big
exercise ball that sent him crashing into a coffee table. The host of the party
called Lansing, who is our neighbor, and he came right over to see if the gash
needed stitches. It did. So Lansing bundled me and Aaron into his car and drove
to his office at 11:30 PM and administered kindness and medical care to my
son...and me. He caught me as I keeled over and was ready to faint when the
stitching started. He was happy to help us and I could feel that. I could
always feel Lansing was ready to help.
Lynann has always been a strong and enduring support to my children, sending them cards and notes to tell them they were noticed and loved. May we all be able to take Lynnanne, her children, along with the spouses and children of the others who have left us so suddenly and show them we of our love.
Our neighborhood and city community has been devastated at this loss. All of these lives mattered so much and have touched us deeply. They will always touch us.
Lynann has always been a strong and enduring support to my children, sending them cards and notes to tell them they were noticed and loved. May we all be able to take Lynnanne, her children, along with the spouses and children of the others who have left us so suddenly and show them we of our love.
Our neighborhood and city community has been devastated at this loss. All of these lives mattered so much and have touched us deeply. They will always touch us.
Pilot | 4:44 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
The King Air aircraft is a very reliable corporate aircraft flown around the
world.Hope a rapid resolution is made of whatever problem caused the crash.
Debbi | 5:02 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
What an unbelievable tragedy. We were friends with the Ellsworth family years
ago when our children were babies. They are amazing, loving people who always
stood ready to help others. Our prayers are with you at this most grief-filled
time Lynann.
All our love, Debbi King
All our love, Debbi King
KingAire ex-pilot | 5:15 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
With 10 passengers and full fuel load and baggage,(only a 9 passenger aircraft)
and the aircraft going in shortly after takeoff, I wonder if anyone checked the
allowable gross weight versus the actual weight and also the center of gravity.
TheBeech Kingaire is a superior aircraft. I had over 400 hours in it and never
an incident.
Marijo Young | 5:16 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Our whole family is deeply saddened at the tragic passing of such consumate
professionals, hard working, and caring individuals. Both Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Goddard as well as the other members of their staff will be deeply missed. My
19 year old son feels a great sadness as he credits Dr. Ellsworth in having
saved his life from a rare skin melanoma in Summer of 2006. Dr. Ellsworth tried
to have a personal connection with his patients and we felt completely informed
and well taken care of in his very capable hands. When we heard who the
passengers were this morning it was like a dagger to our hearts. Our thoughts
and prayers go out to all of the families who have been affected by this
tragedy. It will be a loss that many here in Cedar City as well as the other
communities in which they served will feel for a long time. Lord bless those
who have been affected with your comforting spirit at this most difficult hour.
K. Pedersen | 5:35 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
I offer my deepest condolenses to the families in Cedar City and to Mandy
Johnson's family in Hurricane.
From Monument Valley | 5:49 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
It is so sad the tragedies that have hit our nieghboring communities. First
Blanding lost three wonderful family men in a plane crash last week and then
this. My prayers go out to both the families of those lost, and the towns people
who also feel such sorrow at the loss of friends and community members. May
Heavenly father guide your thoughts and lift your spirits. May you find peace
where there seems like there is little to feel peace about. May you feel comfort
and be consoled with wonderful memories that you have had the opportunity to
share. I pray the spirt will give you the comfort that is needed in this time of
sorrow.
Groovacious | 6:44 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Dave Goddard was our initial sound man for our Groovefest music festival and was
an important part of our beginnings here in Cedar City. Much of the community
events that we are still part of were because of Dave's instigation and
enthusiasm. He gave often and generously to the musical community of Cedar City
and surrounding areas. We are very saddened and feel deep sympathy for the
Goddard family. We love you!
Tim & Lisa at Groovacious
Tim & Lisa at Groovacious
KTM | 7:20 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Dave Goddard was a Physician Assistant with the Dermatology practice not a
medical assistant as reported. He will be missed by the PA community as well as
his family and patients.
JulieAnn from Pullman, WA | 7:33 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
We knew the Ellsworth's when they lived in Pullman (both times). Our two
oldest were the same ages as Marie and Dallin. Lynanne took care of my three
young children while I was trying to finish my graduate degree at WSU. We want
Lynanne her family to know that they are in our prayers at this time.We were in
total shock when we found out. We cannot fathom the loss you must feel at this
time. Our oldest is a pilot and we know the risk involved in flying, but he is
constantly assuring us the skies are safer than the roadways. We hope and pray
your needs will be met as you face the days ahead.
Logan | 8:00 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
The pilot, David White, was an amazingly friendly man and a very capable pilot.
He has been my pilot in that very same aircraft on numerous occasions. I spoke
with the man not 2 or 3 days ago and still can't believe this has happened.
This is a horrible loss for Cedar City, the Leavitt Group, and everyone who knew
him. He and the others will be sorely missed and our prayers go out to their
families.
The Done family in Tucson | 8:16 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
While the Ellsworth family has been gone from Tucson and the Sunrise Ward for a
number of years, their impact on many lives remains strong. There are no
adequate words to express the sense of loss we feel for the families of all who
lost a loved one in this terrible tragedy. But we pray they feel the comfort
that only the spirit of the Lord can bring in times of seemingly unbearable
sorrow. "In darkest hours, when life weighs heavy on my heart, and seeks
to crush the flame of hope and faith in Christ, I still . . . in my struggle to
endure, hold fast to truths that will not be suppressed . . . that He is there,
my Saviour, Lord and King, who loves me still, even in my frail humanity."
God bless, comfort and strengthen each family who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
God bless, comfort and strengthen each family who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
My heart hurts for all of you. | 8:22 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
I read this article because my brother lives in Moab, but I have more ties to
Cedar City and Hurricane. I do not know these people, but I am sure my deceased
husbands family does, at least from Cedar City. But the comments from those
close to these people, made them real to me. My heart hurts tonight for all of
you that are experiencing this tragedy, I cried as I read your comments. I hope
you will find peace and comfort in your loss and know that there are thousands
of people who you do not know right now, but care and wish that they could
provide you comfort and help. Know that there is also a God, who you also
don't see, that knows your pain and suffering and is there for you, I pray
that you will feel his comforting love right now. Julene Dotson
Jill H. | 9:18 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
What a sad day this is for Cedar City. The staff at Red Canyon were remarkable
individuals and I can't imagine how this community will deal with such a
great loss. My family and I have had the privilege of being treated by Dr.
Ellsworth, Dave, Cecilee, Val, and the rest of the staff over the last several
years and we will miss them very much.
As a mom I'm saddened to know that Cecilee's little girl will never fully understand how much her mommy loved her and what a remarkable woman she was.
May Val's children know how much she loved being your mom. She spoke of you often and I could tell you were her pride and joy. She was a wonderful woman, with such a big heart and you should be proud to have called her mom.
My heartfelt condolences to all the families involved. May the Lord strengthen and sustain you in this time of deep sorrow.
As a mom I'm saddened to know that Cecilee's little girl will never fully understand how much her mommy loved her and what a remarkable woman she was.
May Val's children know how much she loved being your mom. She spoke of you often and I could tell you were her pride and joy. She was a wonderful woman, with such a big heart and you should be proud to have called her mom.
My heartfelt condolences to all the families involved. May the Lord strengthen and sustain you in this time of deep sorrow.
Nancy Robison | 9:36 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
I was devastated when I heard about the tragic accident of the plane crash in
Moab that took the lives of my dear friend Dave Goddard and his sweet daughter
along with the wonderful crew that would come to our clinic once a month. What
a wonderful service they gave to our community. They were like the Cat in the
Hat that came back (this little saying was what I would say when they walked
through the door) with their special kindness and smiling faces. I will turly
miss Dave, he was an inspiration in my life and an example of rightesness that
leaves an ever lasting feeling of the true spirit of God that will stay with me
always. My prayers and love are with the family.
coach | 9:33 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
we will all miss that wonderful smile Mandy carried in the halls at HHS, what a
tremendous young lady and a terrible loss.
Great Tragedy for Cedar City | 9:37 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
My husband and I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Ellsworth and his exemplary
staff, not only for their fine medical and administrative skills but their kind
hearts as well. We were patients there for nearly 10 years.
Their concern and care helped with more than one difficult situation over the years, with Dr. E. *always* going above and beyond the call of duty.
Each of person on that plane was an irreplaceable member of this community, and will be greatly missed. Our lives have been made immeasurably better for knowing them.
We send our most heartfelt and sincerest condolences to their families. --The Patersons
Their concern and care helped with more than one difficult situation over the years, with Dr. E. *always* going above and beyond the call of duty.
Each of person on that plane was an irreplaceable member of this community, and will be greatly missed. Our lives have been made immeasurably better for knowing them.
We send our most heartfelt and sincerest condolences to their families. --The Patersons
NK | 9:50 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
May God bless the families and be comforted in their time of sorrow.
A sad widow | 10:27 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
I recently lost my husband, I know the pain and hart break that they are
feeling. My 7 year old daughter said it best "I know I will see him
again"
she told me. Stay close as a family,love each other, pray together and rember it is ok to be sad, angry, and alway talk about everything. May God bless you all.
she told me. Stay close as a family,love each other, pray together and rember it is ok to be sad, angry, and alway talk about everything. May God bless you all.
Kathy | 10:30 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Our prayers and condolences goes out to the families.
MMS | 10:41 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
What a loss. Dr Ellsworth gave me such excellent treatment and service. Truly an
outstanding person and professional in every way. I flew airplanes for over 30
years, and have flown in the King Air..one of the best airplanes of its type
ever designed. Our deepest sympathies and preayers for these wonderful people
and their families.
Josh | 10:59 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Knowing Mandy Johnson through many organizations at SUU and through the
Communication Dept I am shocked, more numb right now. Her infectious smile and
attitude will be sorely missed. She was the one from our group that made it onto
the Price is Right last year. I will hold to that memory every time I watch the
tape. My heart goes out to her, her family, and fiance. God's love is
strongest now.
tf | 11:22 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
Cami was a beautiful person that was loved by many. I pray for her family that
they will be comforted at this time.
Ujj | 11:32 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008
What a tremendous loss for the famlies and all of southern UT. Dr Ellsworth, PA
Goddard and their staff will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to their
famlies and friends. Please know this is a great loss for the communities that
are often neglected by other providers. They have saved hundreds of lives in our
area and two in my own home. May the Savior welcome them with open arms and a
smile for their service and love for the small communities in UT.
John | 12:52 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
This is another tragic story. Seems like nearly every week I read of a small
plane crash taking off or landing at a small airport in Utah. But I almost
never hear of accidents at the larger regional airports which have much safer
runways, staffing, and equipment, and much more activity. There are dozens of
small, general aviation airports in Utah, many of which are small and unsafe
like the one near Moab. Why doesn't the state work with the federal
government to close all these small, unsafe third world airports and instead
expand a few of them and build some decent larger, safer regional airports
around the state?
Anonymous | 7:04 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
The Johnson family is reading your comments. They are a real comfort to us. We
are beginning to see how many people loved our little girl. Thank you for your
love and comfort. It means so much to us. Mandy loved all the people she worked
with. She told us often how lucky she was to work with such fine people and how
much she loved them. We will always miss our little girl but the comfort from
family and friends will help us through. Thank you all.
Bevin Johnson
Bevin Johnson
What a Tragic | 7:17 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I was in St. George on friday when I heard the news from the News Stands, And
yesterday as I was coming home I saw the KSL Chopper between Cedar City &
Beaver,and wondered what was going on? I really feel sorry for these famlies in
their times of of such a bad tradgey, They seem like such good people,
RE John | 7:22 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Your comment is inappropriate and absurd. Maybe if you lived in a small town you
would be more thankful for what we do have. How many Doctors would come to a
town like Moab or Blanding if they had to land in Grand Junction and drive 100
or 200 miles after their arrival? Keep your unintelligent thoughts to yourself
until you have done some research.
Lynn Perkins' Family | 7:44 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Our sympathies go out to all in this state who are feeling the impact of the
loss of these ten people Keith Shumway is our nephew, and cousin. He was a
dedicated young man. Service is what Keith was all about. He loved his family.
They were the most important people in his life. Lisa, beautiful Lisa, she is
his perfect companion, best friend and mother of his handsome little son Landon.
Keith was a spiritual giant and his example and teachings will sustain our
family.
Lynda from Moab | 8:35 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
My heart is sad for the loss of Dr. Elsworth and his
staff. I dearly loved this man. I was his patient in
Cedar and Moab for ten years. When I moved to Az. for five years I would return to Cedar to be treated
by him. What a wonderful person. Love to all the families envolved in this loss. They will be missed.
staff. I dearly loved this man. I was his patient in
Cedar and Moab for ten years. When I moved to Az. for five years I would return to Cedar to be treated
by him. What a wonderful person. Love to all the families envolved in this loss. They will be missed.
flier | 8:45 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
John, the size of the airport has nothing to do with this crash. If the size of
airports and runways had a relationship to crashes, you wouldn't see
crashes at large international airports.
Maybe this plane was just overloaded at takeoff or had a mechanical problem at takeoff, neither of which would be the fault of the airport.
Most small airports are very well staffed, have full safety equipment and are in no way third world airports.
Maybe this plane was just overloaded at takeoff or had a mechanical problem at takeoff, neither of which would be the fault of the airport.
Most small airports are very well staffed, have full safety equipment and are in no way third world airports.
Utah Doc | 9:00 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
RE: John's Comments.
These "unsafe third world airports" save thousands of lives every year. They provide a quick and easy access for rapid transport to the best medical care facilities in the world. They also (as in this case) provide a way for some of the most gifted medical personnel in the world to take their talent and expertise to those that need their help.
Our hearts are broken by this tragic loss. Our prayers go out for their families and all that have been lucky enough to know them.
These "unsafe third world airports" save thousands of lives every year. They provide a quick and easy access for rapid transport to the best medical care facilities in the world. They also (as in this case) provide a way for some of the most gifted medical personnel in the world to take their talent and expertise to those that need their help.
Our hearts are broken by this tragic loss. Our prayers go out for their families and all that have been lucky enough to know them.
Anonymous | 9:25 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I personally didn't know Mandy Johnson well, but I do know this..
I had a child that attended Hurricane High. He was very awkward, and had few friends. He once commented to me that Mandy Johnson was only one of a couple of "Popular" kids that validated him, and treated him with kindness.
A lot of nice things are said about people after they pass away, but she was the real deal.
I had a child that attended Hurricane High. He was very awkward, and had few friends. He once commented to me that Mandy Johnson was only one of a couple of "Popular" kids that validated him, and treated him with kindness.
A lot of nice things are said about people after they pass away, but she was the real deal.
re: John | 9:33 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
The airport in Moab is fine. The plane is one of the industry standards.
Sometime, John, mechanical failures happen that have nothing to do with the
airport or the plane.
Should we close the interstates due to the accidents that occur? Maybe the state highways? Of course not. Everyone is hurting. We are not looking for blame. The FAA will investigate and, at that time, we will find out why this tragedy occurred. Now is the time to grieve and give comfort.
KP
Should we close the interstates due to the accidents that occur? Maybe the state highways? Of course not. Everyone is hurting. We are not looking for blame. The FAA will investigate and, at that time, we will find out why this tragedy occurred. Now is the time to grieve and give comfort.
KP
Debbie | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
My sincere condolences to the families and friends of these people. I'm
sure they are devastated and I can only pray God's healing love to be upon
them to help them through this trial.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Patriots, Colts tied after 1st quarter 7:28 p.m.
- Abdul-Jabbar surprised by reaction 7:12 p.m.
- Packers defense big in win 7:01 p.m.
- Nowitzki leads Mavs past Pistons 6:51 p.m.
- Cardinals rally for 31-20 win 6:31 p.m.
- Layton home has $100K in damages 6:24 p.m.
- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 6:21 p.m.
- It was past time for Dobbs to go 6:11 p.m.
- Lessons from tempting the universe 6:11 p.m.
- Web surfers spill their guts on Net 6:11 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
363 - BYU happy to escape with victory226
- TCU creams U.219
- Editorial: Mormons and gay rights203
- Will state consider gay rights law?149
- Letters: Strange breed in Utah133
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?130
- Utes remain silent about BCS120
- RSL heads to MLS title game119
- Celtics crush Jazz104
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
Advertisement
Latest comments
Good thing the Utes won't be facing a superior opponent on the road in 2 weeks.
I will never understand why Republicans insist on eating their own.
Even though this article highlighted research about Former-Governor Palin's...
Thanks be to God! I am encouraged to see the Church embracing social justice....
hee hee Locke is "21st century" "jazz by 7" "jazz by 9" I am going...
Actually the LDS church didn't start saying or writing that homosexuality was...
@Chisty, You need to stick you head out of Utah, and realize 5 states have...
I suppose few people, especially from the left, will pay any attention to...
Have those people that criticize federal stimulus spending ever taken...
Re: Huh, why do you have to throw a wet blanket on such a great moment? That...
Advertisements
Peace to all, and may my tears help to assuage the grief of those who mourn.