By Nicole Pence
GREENWOOD – The family of a pilot killed in a plane crash in Greenwood is thanking first responders for their heroic efforts.
Bill Gilliland, 46, died when his plane crashed Friday afternoon, less than eight miles from the Greenwood Municipal Airport.
Gilliland’s co-pilot, Michael Elliott, was rescued by neighbors and first responders. Elliott is in critical condition at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. Investigators tell FOX59 it will be at least ten days before a report is issued.
The plane crashed in Rosie Alley’s backyard off of Patterson Street.
“The planes fly low here and we enjoy watching them and looking at them and now everyone I see one now I will think of Bill,” said Alley.
Alley spent her Monday cleaning up her backyard and remembering a man she will never meet.
“I will think of him. Always remember that he was someone special doing something he loved to do. It’s going to be a loss to Greenwood, our community. People like that always are,” said Alley.
Bill Gilliland’s family released a statement to FOX59:
“The family of deceased pilot William (Bill) Gilliland thanks all of the brave citizens and First Responders who worked so selflessly to save his life after his plane crashed in Greenwood on July 11.
Gilliland’s wife Angie states, “The many acts of heroism that surround the rescue of his co-pilot and attempted rescue of Bill were all sacrificial in nature and mere words cannot express the gratitude our family feels for your actions.
Those special people know who they are. They are the ones who so fearlessly dropped everything and rushed into the face of danger to try to rescue two men. Our family and our community are blessed by your bravery. Thank you for your heroic deeds and the high value you placed on not one, but two human lives. Our prayers remain with the Elliot family.
Bill brought joy to his family and others as he lived life as a man committed to Christ.”
Gilliland was a vice president at Simon Property Group. He is survived by his wife, Angie, and two daughters.
Alley plans to re-plant the garden in her back yard to honor Gilliland.
“I have some things I found in the yard, parts of the airplane. I will look at it and know that that is for Bill. This was a real person he has a family and because of that it was at our house he will have a place in my heart,” said Alley.
Bill Gilliland’s visitation is Tuesday at Saints Francis and Clare Catholic Church from 4-8 p.m. in Greenwood.
Gilliland’s funeral mass will be at the same church on Wednesday at noon.
The burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gilliland Family Trust or Saints Francis & Clare Educational Trust in care of: Old National Bank, 900 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, Indiana 46143.
Swartz Family Church and Chapel – Funeral and Cremation Services in Greenwood is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family on this website.
