'Deeply moved by your support,' says wife as family prepares memorial for pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray
Pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray's legacy: Tributes after body discovered at Durban beach.
Image: Justin de Reuck / Facebook
More than a month after pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray's plane crashed into the sea during an aviation show, his family may finally have closure.
Last week, a body washed up along the Bay of Plenty Beach, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on September 12, 2025.
While the person has not been formally identified, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the deceased was found wearing a flight suit.
"The unidentifiable body was possibly washed out from the ocean and was wearing a flight suit. Preliminary investigations suggest that it could be the body of the pilot who crashed into the sea last month; however, formal identification processes will be conducted to ascertain the body’s identity," Netshiunda said.
Blackwood-Murray had been performing at an aviation show linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 on August 14, 2025, when his plane crashed into the sea.
Footage of the crash went viral on social media.
On Tuesday morning, his wife, Kyla Blackwood-Murray, posted on social media, thanking those who supported them.
"On behalf of Matt Blackwood-Murray (son), myself, and Andrew's entire family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you for the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and condolences we have received."
She added that the family had been moved by the tributes and gestures of kindness from friends, colleagues, and the aviation community.
"We are humbled beyond words by the magnitude of how deeply Andrew was loved, admired, and respected, not only as a pilot, but as a friend, mentor, colleague, and human being," she said.
The family confirmed that a memorial service will be held on September 28, 2025 at Hangar 34, Rand Airport, at 9 am, where friends and colleagues will gather to celebrate his life.
Earlier this week, aviation-focused media platform Smoke on Go paid tribute to Andrew's memory
"It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to a remarkable aviator, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, whose passion for flight and dedication to the aviation community inspired all who knew him."
They celebrated his professionalism and precision in the cockpit and said he was regarded not only as a skilled pilot but also as an ambassador for aviation and that his accuracy and grace-filled air show performances created an indelible effect on those who watched.
Beyond his flying career, he was remembered as a mentor, friend, and gentleman whose humility and warmth extended to colleagues and spectators alike.
"Andrew's love for the skies was more than a profession; it was a calling. His skill at the controls, his unwavering professionalism, and his ability to share the joy of aviation with others made him not just a pilot but an ambassador for the wonder of flight," they stated.
His long-term sponsor Nashua also expressed sorrow. Chief executive Barry Venter said Nashua is deeply saddened by the light aircraft crash that involved Blackwood-Murray. "He was a remarkable aerobatic pilot with an inspiring passion for flying and a respected figure in the aviation community," he said.
Venter added: "Andrew was a cherished partner and friend to Nashua for more than 10 years. Over the years, he represented our brand with excellence and brought joy and unforgettable moments to our customers nationwide. Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time."
According to the earlier tribute, Blackwood-Murray died while flying, doing what he loved most. Condolences were also extended to his wife, Kyla, and to his family and friends.
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