Denver Volleyball And Swim Coach Kristen Morris Dies in Midair Collision Between Two Small Planes Near Fort Morgan Municipal Airport

Kristen Morris was 2012 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

September 3, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 3, 2026

Kristen Morris lost her life at 35 in a plane accident on Sunday, August 31, 2026. She left the world doing what she loved the most.

Morris’s small plane collided with another plane midair near the runway at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport at about 10:40 a.m.

Morris was renowned for her dedication as a volleyball and swim coach.

She was a warrior, and her resilience was not just a personal trait but a public inspiration. Her true legacy lies in the incredible spirit she shared with everyone around her.

Moreover, Morris carried a joy that could light up any room. She was always smiling, always living her best life, and always making others smile with her beautiful, infectious spirit.

She was deeply loved by her community, especially her family within the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2). They cherished her unwavering faith and positive outlook.

AFW2 Celebrated the Resilience of Kristen Morris

Air Force Wounded Warrior was proud to highlight the incredible journey and resilience of retired Captain Kristen Morris.

She was a 2012 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, earning her wings as a mobility pilot in the C-130J.

She built a reputation as a dedicated and motivated officer throughout her service, consistently being seen as a go-to for every challenge.

Unfortunately, her promising career took an unexpected turn after four years of active duty when she was diagnosed with a debilitating hip disorder.

Her condition eventually required a complete replacement of her right hip. However, she attempted a less invasive treatment with steroid injections, choosing to fight for her quality of life.

Later, she bravely moved forward with the hip replacement surgery.

Furthermore, Morris refused to let her injury define her, and she channeled her fighting spirit into a new arena of adaptive sports.

Her determination led her to compete in the 2018 Warrior Games, where she was selected to represent Team United States at the Invictus Games in Australia.

Kristen Morris Passed Away Doing What She Loved The Most

The Colorado aviation community is mourning the loss of Kristen Morris, who passed away in a plane collision over the weekend.

The cause of the collision is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The accident occurred Sunday morning at the Fort Morgan Municipal Airport.

According to authorities, two single-engine planes collided while one was preparing to land. The crash resulted in a fire.

Tragically, Morris, who was piloting one of the aircraft, did not survive. A passenger in her plane was hospitalized with injuries. Two people in the other plane were treated for minor injuries.

In the wake of the crash, witnesses rushed to the scene to help the victims and try to put out the flames. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office thanked these individuals for their brave efforts and extended their deepest condolences to Morris’s family and friends.

While the loss is profound, it is clear that Kristen Morris was pursuing her passion. She passed away doing what she loved most: flying.

Although her time was brief, she left a permanent mark. Her light will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched.

The Morris family will soon announce the captain’s celebration of life. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Rest in Peace, Captain Kristen Morris.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Kristen Morris is originally from Denver.
• Her proudest dream, which came true, was to.
• She was an avid animal lover who had raised a dog named Molly.

• Check other Articles on

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

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