A devastating plane crash north of Fort Worth claimed the lives of Michael Daly, a prominent software entrepreneur and owner of Mobile EHR, Inc., and his father, John Daly. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, October 12, 2025, in the 12700 block of North Saginaw Boulevard, near Avondale and just north of Hicks Airfield. Authorities have confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Beechcraft C90 King Air, a twin-engine turboprop capable of seating up to nine passengers.
The tragic accident not only resulted in the loss of two lives but also ignited a massive fire as the aircraft struck multiple vehicles on impact, producing thick black smoke visible for miles. Emergency crews from Fort Worth, Haslet, and Saginaw fire departments responded promptly to the scene, but both occupants were pronounced dead at the site.
Crash Details: Aircraft Collides With Vehicles, Igniting Fire
According to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the aircraft went down in what appears to be a vacant truck lot, located just north of a trailer park. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion moments before seeing flames and smoke rise from the crash site.
One eyewitness, an employee at a nearby café, reported: “I heard a loud boom, and moments later a customer ran inside urging us to call 911. When we rushed outside, we saw flames and black smoke rising from the area. The fire was intense, and the plane had struck several 18-wheeler-style work trucks.”
The impact of the aircraft with the trucks caused the fire to spread rapidly. Firefighters established a large-scale operation to contain the flames and prevent further damage. Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, both Michael and John Daly were pronounced deceased at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among people on the ground.
Surveillance Footage Captures the Crash
Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses captured the harrowing final moments of the Beechcraft King Air. The footage shows the aircraft descending rapidly before colliding with vehicles and erupting into flames. Investigators will review the video as part of the ongoing investigation to understand the circumstances leading to the crash.
The dramatic visual evidence underscores the suddenness and severity of the accident. Witnesses and nearby residents described feeling shock and fear as smoke and flames rose high into the Fort Worth sky.
Michael Daly: Entrepreneur and Tech Visionary
Michael Daly, the founder and owner of Mobile EHR, Inc., was a well-known figure in the healthcare technology sector. He began programming in 1992 while still in high school and launched his career in 1996, initially developing software for the oil and gas industry. Daly specialized in C and Assembly programming for embedded systems before transitioning to desktop software with the introduction of Windows 3.1.
By 2008, Daly had advanced to leadership roles in software development, and in 2010, he founded a successful iPad and iPhone application company focused on healthcare records. His company specialized in software utilizing .NET, SQL, Silverlight, and Objective-C development, creating advanced electronic health record (EHR) solutions.
Michael Daly leaves behind his wife and four children. Friends and colleagues remember him as a talented, driven, and generous professional who made a lasting impact in the healthcare technology field. His company, Mobile EHR, remains a testament to his innovative work and vision for improving patient care through technology.
John Daly: Family and Legacy
John Daly, Michael’s father, was traveling with his son at the time of the crash. While little has been publicly shared about John Daly’s personal life, friends and family described him as a supportive father and pillar of the family. The loss of both father and son in the same tragic incident has left the family, colleagues, and community in deep mourning.
The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office has extended condolences to the Daly family and emphasized that the investigation will be thorough to ensure clarity and accountability regarding the crash.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
Emergency crews responded swiftly, with Fort Worth, Haslet, and Saginaw fire departments coordinating to contain the fire and ensure public safety. The intensity of the fire, fueled by the aircraft’s fuel and the struck vehicles, required a substantial water supply and coordination between multiple departments.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties. The response also included EMS units prepared to treat any injured individuals, though thankfully, no ground casualties were reported.
Sections of North Saginaw Boulevard were temporarily closed to facilitate the emergency response, and residents were urged to avoid the area while crews worked to secure the site.
Community Impact and Local Businesses
The crash has deeply affected the Fort Worth community, especially businesses and residents near Hicks Airfield. Revive Wellness and Aesthetics, located near the crash site, announced on social media that it would close for the day in response to the tragedy.
The business posted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this tragic incident, and we deeply appreciate the first responders for their quick action.”
The crash has raised safety concerns among local businesses and residents, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness for areas near small airports and busy roadways. Community members have expressed shock and sympathy for the victims’ families, while also reflecting on the suddenness and severity of such aviation accidents.
FAA and NTSB Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the crash. These investigations are standard protocol following fatal aviation accidents and will examine aircraft maintenance records, pilot history, weather conditions, and other factors to determine the cause.
Officials have not yet released additional details regarding the flight’s origin or intended destination. The NTSB investigation will also consider any potential mechanical failures, operational errors, or environmental factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Investigators are also analyzing witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence collected from the crash site. This comprehensive approach aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future and provide closure to the families affected.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Reactions
Witnesses described the moment the plane went down as “absolutely terrifying.” Residents reported seeing a large plume of smoke and flames rising high above North Saginaw Boulevard, visible for miles.
A nearby café worker recalled: “I’ve never seen anything like this. The explosion shook the building. People were screaming and running for cover. It was surreal, and it’s hard to believe something like this happened so close to us.”
Local residents expressed shock and grief over the loss of Michael and John Daly, acknowledging their contributions to the community and the sudden nature of the tragedy. Memorials and vigils are expected to be organized by friends, colleagues, and community members in the coming days.
Aviation Context: Beechcraft C90 King Air
The aircraft involved, a Beechcraft C90 King Air (tail number N291CC), is a twin-engine turboprop widely used for business travel and short regional flights. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to nine passengers and is known for its reliability. However, like all aircraft, it requires regular maintenance and careful operation to ensure safety.
The NTSB will assess multiple factors, including aircraft mechanical condition, pilot training and experience, and weather conditions at the time of the crash. The goal is to determine whether human error, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the accident.
Impact on Mobile EHR and Professional Community
Michael Daly’s passing represents a significant loss for Mobile EHR, Inc., a company known for innovative healthcare software solutions. Colleagues describe him as a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized electronic health records for iOS devices and desktop applications.
The company is expected to issue a statement expressing condolences and outlining steps to maintain business continuity. Daly’s team and employees are mourning both a leader and mentor who shaped the direction of the company.
Road Closures and Public Safety
North Saginaw Boulevard and surrounding streets were temporarily closed to allow emergency responders to access the crash site, extinguish the fire, and collect evidence. Traffic disruptions were reported in the area, with drivers advised to take alternate routes.
Authorities emphasized the importance of public cooperation to ensure the safety of first responders and the integrity of the investigation. Residents were also cautioned about lingering smoke from the fire and advised to avoid the area until cleanup and assessment were completed.
Family and Legacy
Michael Daly leaves behind a wife and four children. Friends, colleagues, and community members are mourning the loss of a husband, father, and innovator. John Daly, traveling with his son, is also survived by family members who are grieving the dual loss.
Statements from friends and colleagues describe Michael as an “exceptional programmer, entrepreneur, and community leader,” whose vision and technical expertise have left a lasting impact on the healthcare software industry. The family, while devastated, has expressed appreciation for the support of emergency responders and the Fort Worth community.
Next Steps in Investigation
The FAA and NTSB investigation will involve multiple stages, including:
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Site Analysis: Examining the crash site, aircraft debris, and fire damage.
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Flight Record Review: Analyzing any onboard data and flight logs.
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Mechanical Assessment: Evaluating the aircraft’s maintenance history.
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Pilot History: Reviewing training, certifications, and prior flight experience.
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Environmental Factors: Assessing weather, visibility, and air traffic conditions.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, including video footage from nearby cameras or eyewitness accounts, to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Conclusion
The Fort Worth plane crash is a devastating incident that has claimed the lives of Michael Daly, a respected software entrepreneur, and his father, John Daly. The aircraft’s impact with multiple vehicles caused a massive fire, highlighting the suddenness and severity of aviation accidents in populated areas.
Emergency responders acted swiftly to contain the fire and secure the area, while authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. The Fort Worth community mourns the loss of the Daly family, and local businesses and residents have expressed shock and condolences.
As the FAA and NTSB conduct their investigation, the public awaits further details regarding the flight’s circumstances and contributing factors. Meanwhile, the legacy of Michael Daly in healthcare technology and software development will remain a significant part of his lasting impact on the industry.
Call to Action:
Residents and witnesses are urged to provide any information or surveillance footage related to the crash to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office or the NTSB. Public cooperation is essential to ensure a thorough investigation and to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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