Family Identifies Victim of Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding Crash as 37-Year-Old Richard Westmoreland
Lookout Mountain, Ga. — Family members have identified Richard Westmoreland, 37, as the victim of a fatal hang gliding crash that occurred Tuesday on Lookout Mountain. Known for his adventurous spirit and zest for life, Richard’s sudden passing has left his loved ones and the hang gliding community mourning the loss of a man remembered for his optimism, joy, and deep love of the skies.
A Life Lived with Enthusiasm
Richard’s younger brother, Ashton, spoke with reporters off-camera, sharing heartfelt memories of the brother he adored. He recalled Richard’s signature phrase, one that opened every video he recorded and posted on social media: “What’s up, big beautiful world?!”
For Ashton, those words perfectly captured Richard’s outlook on life. “He saw the world in a way most never can,” Ashton said in a written statement. “Always optimistic, always with a twinkle in his eyes, and always with a smile. I think everyone could stand to be a little more like him.”
Friends and family describe Richard as someone who radiated positivity and adventure. Whether in his personal life or his professional pursuits, he approached each day with wonder and gratitude, inspiring those around him to find joy in simple moments and to embrace life’s opportunities.
A Passion for Flight
Richard’s love for hang gliding began years ago at Kitty Hawk Kites in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, where he first learned the skills that would later shape his career and adventures. His passion for flight grew into years of experience, and he eventually traveled across the country and around the world to share that passion with others.
Most recently, Richard was invited to work in Interlaken, Switzerland, where he guided people through the exhilarating experience of flying over the Swiss Alps. Friends and colleagues say his enthusiasm for teaching and his ability to instill confidence in others made him a natural at his craft.
Ashton emphasized that hang gliding wasn’t just a sport for Richard—it was a way of life. “He loved showing people the world from above, helping them feel free, even if just for a moment. The skies were his happy place.”
The Tragic Accident
Details about the crash on Lookout Mountain are still under investigation, and officials have not released further information about what may have caused it. Rescue crews responded to the scene Tuesday, but despite efforts, Richard did not survive.
While the exact circumstances remain unclear, family members and fellow pilots have expressed that Richard was highly skilled and deeply respected in the hang gliding community.
A Legacy of Light
Richard Westmoreland is remembered not just for his accomplishments, but for the energy he brought into every space he entered. His optimism, humor, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
His brother Ashton hopes that others will honor Richard’s memory by adopting his outlook on life—choosing to see the beauty in the world, meeting challenges with optimism, and greeting each day with gratitude.
“He was a bright spot, and the world feels dimmer without him,” Ashton said. “But I know he’d want us to keep smiling, to keep living fully, and to keep saying to ourselves, ‘what’s up, big beautiful world?’”
Moving Forward
As the investigation into the crash continues, the Westmoreland family is leaning on their memories of Richard’s adventurous life and the outpouring of love from the community. A full statement from Ashton and other family members will be published soon, offering a deeper glimpse into Richard’s life and the legacy he leaves behind.
For now, friends, family, and fellow adventurers are grieving a loss that feels immeasurable, while celebrating the life of a man who saw the world not only from above—but with a heart wide open.
