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Father Heartbroken After Losing Son In Longmont Plane Crash

LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - A grieving and heartbroken father is still trying to make sense of Friday's plane crash near Longmont.

Ryan Brungardt's father," Terry Brungardt, wants his son to be remembered as a pilot who loved to fly.

Almost inconsolable, Terry Brungardt, could barely find the words to describe his now deceased son. Ryan Brungardt, 30, was one of two victims in the deadly mid-air plane crash.

"Because of the way the accident happened I can't even say goodbye to him because they don't know what's left," Terry Brungardt said.

Ryan Brungardt was assisting another pilot in what's called a check out when the fatal crash happened. He died doing what he loved.

"Ryan loved life probably more than anybody I know," Terry Brungardt said. "There were two things in his life he loved the most and it was flying and his wife."

Ryan Brungardt
Ryan Brungardt (credit: CBS)

Terry Brungardt had just seen his son this past Sunday not knowing it'd be the last chance he'd get to tell him he loved him. Less than 24 hours since the crash he's still trying to make sense of it all.

"He shouldn't have (expletive) died. Sorry. It's not my place to bury his ass, it's his place to bury me."

As he continues through the grieving process he had advice for all parents.

"Anybody that sees this you call your kids and tell them that you love them. I don't care what kind of shape their in because you never know when they're going to go."

Ryan Brungardt and his wife had just gotten married about a year ago. Despite being unable to identify much from the remains, his wedding ring was recovered.

Ryan Brungardt did not have life insurance, so the family is working on setting up a memorial fund at a local bank. For now, anyone can donate to the Parker Funeral Home. The money will be to help cover funeral costs.

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