MELROSE, MA — Community in Mourning After Tragic Death of Pilot and Aspiring Astronaut Geoffrey Andrews
A heavy cloud of sorrow has descended upon Melrose and the broader aviation community following the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of 30‑year‑old Geoffrey Andrews near Beverly Regional Airport on the morning of Thursday, June 19, 2025. Known for his boundless passion for aviation and dreams of exploring space, Geoffrey’s untimely death has left friends, family, and neighbors reeling.
✈️ Flight Turned Tragic
On the morning of June 19, around 7:45 a.m., Geoffrey Andrews took off in a Mooney M20F from Beverly Regional Airport, bound for Ticonderoga Municipal Airport in New York. Moments later, he reported engine trouble to air traffic control. Witnesses recounted seeing a puff of dark smoke near the engine area. The plane made a gradual, left-hand descending turn before crashing into Sam Fonzo Drive—just minutes after takeoff .
Emergency responders discovered Geoffrey had died on impact; a passenger was trapped inside and later medevacked to Beverly Hospital in critical condition .
🎓 A Life of Ambition and Heart
Geoffrey Andrews was a staff scientist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, holding a doctorate from Purdue University and an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University . Certified as a commercial pilot in 2019, he had experience ferrying aircraft, performing aerobatics, flying gliders, and was pursuing his Certified Flight Instructor certificate .
Friends and family describe him as a “charismatic, beautiful soul”—always sporting a bow tie and smile. He loved cooking, baking, photography, scuba diving, playing piano, and singing in choirs alongside his wife, Gentry . Geoffrey and Gentry were expecting their first child in October—a deeply anticipated milestone now overshadowed by grief .
🌟 Community Legacy and Outpouring of Support
In the wake of the crash, family members issued heartfelt messages:
“Beyond his love for flight, Geoffrey was a charismatic, beautiful soul who cared deeply for his family and friends… He was so excited about the upcoming birth of their baby.”
They praised the impending NTSB and FAA investigation, observing their trust in a thorough outcome .
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Gentry and their unborn child has already raised nearly $48,000 toward a $60,000 goal, reflecting the widespread community empathy surrounding this young couple .
📋 Crash Investigation Continues
The NTSB, FAA, and Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit are jointly investigating the crash . Preliminary analysis points to an engine failure followed by a descending turn after takeoff . Wreckage has been moved to a secured facility for deeper examination, with a preliminary NTSB report expected within two weeks .
🕯️ Remembering a Passionate Soul
Geoffrey’s influence extended far beyond technical skill:
- He volunteered as a glider pilot and mentored others pursuing aviation.
- He shared his love of flight through intended future instruction.
- At MIT Lincoln Lab, he engaged with cutting‑edge aerospace research.
- He balanced his professional drive with kindness—mentoring, cooking for loved ones, exploring nature, and celebrating his partner’s family, despite recent personal loss .
💔 Continuing the Journey Forward
Family, friends, colleagues, and Melrose and Beverly residents are planning memorial services and moments to honor Geoffrey’s life. Many are advocating for scholarships in aviation or community-service wings his name.
As Gentry prepares for motherhood without her partner by her side, local networks are rallying: sharing meals, helping out, and offering emotional and financial assistance through the GoFundMe support page.
📞 How to Support
- Contribute to the GoFundMe “Support Gentry and Baby” for immediate family aid .
- Attend memorial events being organized by family and aviation clubs.
- Share memories and condolences via social media or local forums.
- If you witnessed the crash or have relevant recordings, please contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.
🌠 A Life That Reached for the Stars
Geoffrey Andrews’ ambition to become an astronaut may never be fulfilled—but his spirit of exploration, devotion to loved ones, and commitment to flying will resonate for years to come. His tragic passing reminds us of both the fragility of life and the enduring impact one passionate individual can have.
Melrose, Beverly, and the broader aviation community will carry his memory forward—celebrating every bow tie, every flight lesson taught in spirit, every stitch of kindness he left behind.
May Geoffrey’s courage inspire countless others to follow their dreams—and cherish every moment of the journey.